Did the Nets trade Ben Simmons to the Warriors? Fact-checking a viral online claim about the 3x All-Star

Ben Simmons appears poised to take over the league in the 2024-25 season. Photos and videos of him at work have been posted regularly by his coach Chris Brickley. And while some maintain a certain level of skepticism given the three-time All-Star's injury-prone nature, there are still many who hope the talented star forward can finally showcase his abilities. However, Brickley is brimming with confidence in the 6-foot-1 LSU alumnus and took it a step further by responding to a fan with quite the claim. “He's better now than he was in his All-Star seasons. I've never signed a player who didn't prove that early in his season. Trust me on this one.”

But it's not the first time that the 2018 ROTY's workout videos have generated insane hype during the offseason, only to be disappointed during the regular season. Take 2019-20, for example. Before the season began, clips of Ben's jump shots and three-pointers went viral. However, in 57 games, he only attempted 7 three-pointers and hit 2 of them. Similar cases occurred in subsequent seasons as well, so the distrust is completely understandable.

Technically, there is a chance the Nets could keep Ben Simmons and his $40 million salary for next season if they need to trade later. His contract expires after this season is complete. Add to that the fact that the team is trying to rebuild and even traded Mikal Bridges in the offseason and things get unclear. So to avoid a Klay Thompson-like fate, Simmons would have to prove himself. Just confusion – will Simmons play for the Nets or the Warriors?

What are we talking about? Well, there have been rumors floating around the internet claiming that the Nets have traded Ben Simmons to the Warriors. A certain NBA insider, Aaron Rosenberg of ESPN, claims that this is the case. In a post that is going viral, this “Wojnarowski replacement” stated: “BREAKING: Brooklyn Nets trade Ben Simmons to Golden State Warriors, sources tell ESPN.” But an unexpected twist in the plot?

Well, after a thorough investigation by our fact-checkers at EssentiallySports, we have determined that @aaronespn on X is a parody/satire account, which means this post is invalid. Brooklyn did not trade Ben Simmons to the Warriors. But who is this Aaron Rosenberg who made such big claims?

The biography of his X-Account states: “ESPN NBA Insider succeeds the legendary Adrian Wojnarowski. We bring you the latest and most accurate NBA news, transfers and updates. •Parody/Satire.”

Coming back to the parody post, there's a reason it fooled at least some people. Adrian Wojnarowski, the famous ESPN reporter known for his breaking news tweets or signature “Woj Bombs,” has announced his retirement from ESPN. Since Rosenberg's report was crafted exactly as the veteran analyst would, it seemed familiar to people.

The 55-year-old reporter is leaving his position after seven years at ESPN to become general manager of the men's basketball program at his alma mater, St. Bonaventure. “It is a once in a lifetime experience to be able to return to a university and community that I love and serve our student athletes, coaches and the institution. I am confident that I can add value to our basketball program in many areas and open doors for the future of our young men, both professionally and personally,” Wojnarowski told ESPN.

Adrian Wojnarowski: The most famous NBA journalist has decided to change his profession!

Wojnarowski has been with ESPN since 2017, and although he previously worked for Yahoo Sports and The Record of Bergen County (New Jersey), his time at ESPN will not soon be forgotten.

His ability to report things before official announcements made him stand out, but in 2018 ESPN wanted to create excitement on its live broadcasts and issued a policy to limit such reports. But the journalist prevailed with his carefully worded tweets. As Wojnarowski prepares for a new role – GM at St. Bonaventure – his extensive knowledge of the place will help him. He graduated from the school in 1991.

“The fact that the outstanding journalist in his field is willing to give up a lucrative media career to serve his alma mater in a supporting capacity is a testament to his love and passion for Bona's,” St. Bonaventure athletic director Bob Beretta said:

In his new role, Wojnarowski will be responsible for NIL-related opportunities for players, managing the transfer portal, relations with former players and more. We'll have to wait and see how Wojnarowski settles into the role. What do you think?

Before you do, don't forget to check out this crossover between BG12 and Georgia Bulldogs star Asia Avinger.