NBA Rumors: Ben Simmons, Mitchell, Adebayo Trade Was Discussed by Nets, Heat, Jazz

Prior to going through a massive amount of tumult this season, the Brooklyn Nets reportedly had the chance to avoid at least one headache.

According to Kristian Winfield of the New York Daily News, the Nets "had an opportunity to get involved in the Donovan Mitchell sweepstakes" this past offseason. The deal would have sent Ben Simmons to the Utah Jazz, Mitchell to the Miami Heat and Bam Adebayo to Brooklyn.

The Nets traded their two All-Star players within the past week, sending Kyrie Irving to the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday and Kevin Durant to the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday night. Now, the team is stuck with Simmons, who was acquired at last year's trade deadline from the Philadelphia 76ers in a deal that involved James Harden.

Had the Nets known what was in store for them this season, they likely would've pulled the trigger on the three-team trade to ship away Simmons. The three-time All-Star is a shell of his former self, averaging 7.2 points, 6.4 rebounds and 6.4 assists in his 38 appearances this season. He's had multiple absences this year caused by lingering knee issues.

Winfield noted that "it was the Nets who declined" the proposed deal, missing the opportunity to rid themselves of a player whose production doesn't match his pay scale. The 26-year-old is making $35.4 million this season, per Spotrac.

At 32-22, Brooklyn is fifth in the Eastern Conference. After losing Durant and Irving, it will take a herculean effort from the team's current collection of players for the team to maintain its spot in the playoff hunt.

The Nets will be looking to end a two-game skid when they host the Chicago Bulls (26-28) on Thursday night.