Dealing the Details: Hughes For Simmons

The Nets and Bulls are reportedly close to completing a deal that gives the Nets Larry Hughes and the Bulls Bobby Simmons and possibly Maurice Ager, but the main focus is Hughes and Simmons.  The small forward Simmons is 1 year younger and one inch taller than the guard/forward Hughes, who is 4 years more experienced and has better stats.  Along with rebounds per game, Simmons has a better field goal and 3-point % than Hughes, who ousts him in every other statistic.  Simmons has started and played more games, 37/38 to Hughes' 6/30. Hughes indirectly initiated the trade by expressing anger towards the Bulls when they benched him during Hinrich's absence.  The Nets satisfy their need for a veteran, and potentially have a shooting guard if they decide to deal Vince Carter.  The Bulls need a bigger body in absence of Drew Gooden.  Overall, this would turn out as a better deal for the Nets because they get a better player and more versatile player out of the deal.  Hughes would also give Harris another proven scorer to work with, giving the Nets somewhat of a big 3 in Harris, Carter and Hughes.  All that needs to happen now is for the Nets to sign off, and the deal is done.