Potential Trade Destinations For Ben Simmons

Ben Simmons is coming off a historically bad playoff run, but the three-time All-Star is still a worthwhile prospect – at least for some teams. Below are some possible spots Simmons could fit in well with, despite his five-year, $177 million contract.

1. Oklahoma City Thunder

In this theoretical deal, the 76ers would deal Simmons in exchange for a first-round pick and newly acquired Kemba Walker. Walker already doesn’t fit in OKC’s schematics, and Simmons’ creator playstyle along with his size makes him a nice fit in the Thunder’s frontcourt. Walker would also provide Philadelphia with a three-point threat, something they sorely lack with Simmons on the court.

2. Indiana Pacers

The Sixers could deal Simmons in exchange for Malcolm Brogdon and T.J. Warren. The Pacers need a mix-up on their roster, as they have exited in the first round of the playoffs every year since 2016. Additionally, they lack a robust defensive presence on the perimeter. Simmons would fill in nicely here, providing lockdown defense and filling in where Brogdon normally fits in on the offensive side of the ball. Philadelphia would greatly benefit from Brogdon’s free-throw shooting and his ability to shoot the deep ball.

3. Portland Trail Blazers

Philadelphia could turn to the Trail Blazers for a trading partner and give up Simmons in exchange for CJ McCollum. Portland is in desperate need of a rebuild and a new identity. A defensive-minded Simmons could help shake up the Trail Blazers. McCollum would no longer be the scoring threat he is with Portland, but he can be an assist man when necessary, which is exactly how he would be used on the Sixers. Not to mention, McCollum shoots the three better than most players in the league.

4. Chicago Bulls

In order to get Chicago interested in a trade, Philadelphia would need to give up both Simmons and a 2022 first-round pick. In exchange, the 76ers would receive Zach LaVine and Tomáš Satoranský. Simmons would pair perfectly with Colby White on the defensive side of the ball, while also providing a big man presence from a player who has the agility of a guard. For Philadelphia, LaVine provides permitter offense. Pairing him with perennial All-Star Joel Embiid would make for a killer combination.

5. Golden State Warriors

The Warriors would receive Simmons but would be forced to deal picks from 2022 and 2023, as well as Andrew Wiggins. Wiggins would benefit from not having to be the number two option on offense and would be a solid wing defender when needed. On the other side of the trade, a duo of Simmons and Draymond Green would be terrifying for Western Conference opponents. Simmons playing with Steph Curry and Klay Thompson would also alleviate pressure on Simmons to shoot the three-point shot, which could open up other offensive opportunities.

6. San Antonio Spurs

The final trade scenario would have Simmons shipped to the Spurs in exchange for DeMar DeRozan, Lonnie Walker IV and a 2022 first-round draft pick. DeRozan would give Philadelphia deeply-needed scoring, alleviating some of the burden normally carried by Embiid. He could also be an assist man, which he has proven capable of during his time with the Spurs. Walker would be a fantastic addition by providing scoring off the bench, which would deepen the weapons Philadelphia has available. For San Antonio, Simmons would give a younger presence on the court, and provide a defensive presence sorely lacking in the Spurs’ starting five.

Article by David Metzger