Ben Simmons reportedly has come up in 'cursory' trade talks

Ben Simmons has played only six games for the Brooklyn Nets since being acquired ahead of the trade deadline last February, but it appears the team may already be looking to part ways with the three-time All-Star. 

According to SNY's Ian Begley, Simmons' name has come up in trade talks. 

"It's unclear if talks advanced past the cursory stage," Begley wrote." But Brooklyn was said to be aggressive in its pursuit of perimeter shooting." 

If outside shooting is what the Nets seek, they know they won't find it with Simmons. The 26-year-old has faced criticism in the past for his aversion to shooting. So far this season, Simmons is shooting only 44.1 percent from the field, with just one attempt from beyond the arc. 

The Nets fired head coach Steve Nash earlier this week, and more changes are likely on the horizon, according to Brooklyn GM Sean Marks. On Tuesday, Marks talked about the "holes" on the Nets roster, adding the team was not a "finished product." 

Heading in a new direction, the Nets may view a player with Simmons' skill set (defense-first/offensive distributor) as expendable. However, Brooklyn has inquired about suspended Boston Celtics coach Ime Udoka as a possible replacement for Nash, which might breathe new life into Simmons' time with the Nets. Udoka, primarily known as a defensive-minded coach, could do wonders for Simmons, a two-time All-Defensive Team honoree. 

Simmons is averaging 6.2 points, 6.5 rebounds, 7.3 assists and 1.2 steals in 31.8 minutes per game for the Nets this season. He's missed Brooklyn's last two games dealing with knee soreness.