Tackling 3 Trade Packages for Ben Simmons

Ben Simmons is almost certainly on his way out of town. It’s been one of the worst kept secrets ever since the buzzer sounded at the end of that terrible Game 7 loss to the Atlanta Hawks. While, the rumor mill has been running full throttle as to who the Sixers could get in return for their All-Star PG, many have been unrealistic pipe dreams. Here are a few realistic packages that could work for Philadelphia.

1. Buddy Hield, Harrison Barnes, #9 overall pick for Ben Simmons & Danny Green

Bringing in Buddy Hield and Harrison Barnes provides the Sixers offense exactly what it needs: shooting. Hield would step right into the starting lineup with Seth Curry in what would be one of the best 3-point shooting backcourts in the NBA. The defense may be lacking, but with All-NBA defenders Matisse Thybulle and Joel Embiid backing them up, there shouldn’t be much of a drop off from this season. Harrison Barnes would also provide badly needed wing depth and scoring behind Tobias Harris. Aside from that, he is just the type of high character glue guy with championship experience every team needs. Philly could then use the 9th overall pick in this year’s draft to select another young contributor or flip it for more veterans. As for the Kings, they are able to get rid of two contracts they were looking to move anyways and bring in a young All-Star and All-NBA defender who still has plenty of room to improve. Sacramento has the guards and shooters to space the floor for Simmons, making it easy for the 6’10 PG to attack the rim at will. With Marvin Bagley being more of a stretch big, the Kings have everything they need to maximize Simmons’ talents. Danny Green is a free agent so this would have to be a sign and trade scenario. It may be the toughest part considering Green is a veteran. He’s been on a slew of championship contenders. He would need a serious bag for it to happen. 

2. D’Angelo Russell & Malik Beasley for Ben Simmons

As was reported by Darren Wolfson, the Timberwolves “badly” want to trade for Ben Simmons. Exactly how badly remains to be seen, but it might be enough for the Wolves to give up a little more. Securing D’Angelo Rusell might already be enough for the Sixers to pull the trigger, as he is just the type of perimeter threat the Sixers need. However if they are able to get Malik Beasley as well, who’s coming off a season where he averaged 19.5ppg shooting almost 40% from three on 3.5 makes per game, this deal would come close to no brainer territory. For Philly, it gives them a pair of long, dynamic guards who would fit perfectly into the starting lineup. While they also may lack defensively, Russell and Beasley would more than make up for it by providing an offense with balance and elite floor spacing for Embiid, while allowing Seth Curry a more comfortable roll off the bench, instantly becoming one of the most feared 6th-men in all the NBA. For Minnesota, it is easy to envision Ben Simmons spotting in between their two stars Anthony Edwards and good friend KarlAnthony-Towns, making them one of the best young teams in the NBA. While Embiid is a very skilled shooter, Towns plays more like a stretch five which would cater to Simmons’ skillset offensively by providing him ample space. Edwards on the other hand, would give Simmons that perimeter scorer from the guard spot Philadelphia has long been searching for. 

3. Damian Lillard for Ben Simmons, Tyrese Maxey, and Shake Milton

Of our three realistic trade packages… this one is definitely pushing it. However, should Damian Lillard try and force his way out of town a la James Harden, things could get very interesting. Of all the teams who would be competing for Damian Lillard’s services, no team has a young player as decorated as Ben Simmons to dangle in negotiations. Does anyone really expect the Blazers to do backflips over RJ Barret, Kyle Kuzma or even Jaylen Brown? Please. Ben Simmons clearly offers Portland more upside than almost every young player in the league. Assuming Lillard does not push for a move to a specific team, this deal makes perfect sense for both teams. Trading for Simmons might represent their best chance at acquiring another player with star level potential and avoiding a rebuild. Rising stars Maxey and Milton would also allow them to explore trade avenues for CJ McCollum and possibly start fresh with a plethora of young talent. As for Philly, it would be dreamland. Adding Damian Lillard, one of the best point guards and overall players of the last decade, would be a coup for the 76ers. Pairing his perimeter scoring and playmaking with Joel Embiid’s dominance on both ends of the floor would create one of the most devastating 1-2 punches in the league. Along with Harris, Thybulle, and Curry, the Sixers would finally have the adequate star power and balance necessary for them to take that final step towards an NBA Championship.