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Ever for the reason that Hawks eradicated the 76ers from the 2021 NBA playoffs in late June, Philadelphia star Ben Simmons has discovered himself on the heart of commerce rumors. It felt as if Sport 7 of the Japanese Convention semifinals marked some extent of no return for the connection between Simmons and the 76ers, particularly after Doc Rivers and Joel Embiid’s less-than-flattering postgame feedback.
And but, with lower than 70 days to go earlier than the beginning of the 2021-22 NBA common season, Simmons stays a member of the Sixers. A deal involving the three-time All-Star can be sophisticated to tug off not solely due to his contract — Simmons is owed greater than $146 million by means of the 2024-25 season — but additionally due to Philadelphia’s exorbitant asking value.
MORE: Evaluating the Clippers-Grizzlies commerce
The Athletic’s David Aldridge reported earlier this month that Philly is “looking for management of no less than 4 future first-round picks by way of direct commerce or choose swaps, together with an All-Star-level participant in most (however not all) situations.” Yeah, 76ers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey and normal supervisor Elton Model are taking pictures fairly excessive right here.
How about we assist them out by presenting few faux Simmons trades? Let’s dive in…
Ben Simmons to the Path Blazers?
Path Blazers obtain: Tyrese Maxey, Ben Simmons, draft compensation
76ers obtain: Damian Lillard
Why it might work: That is the Sixers’ house run deal. They’d get an in-his-prime star who matches nicely alongside Joel Embiid and eliminates any of these pesky spacing considerations. The Path Blazers would start their rebuild with a 25-year-old who’s below contract for a number of extra seasons, plus a intriguing younger guard in Maxey and extra draft picks and swaps.
Why it would not work: At this level, Lillard is anticipated to begin the 2020-21 marketing campaign in a Portland jersey. ESPN’s Zach Lowe lately reported that Lillard is “not out there” and “has not requested for a commerce.” Till that half adjustments, Philadelphia will not be capable to get the man it actually desires.
Ben Simmons to the Path Blazers (once more)?
Path Blazers obtain: Ben Simmons
76ers obtain: CJ McCollum, Nassir Little, draft compensation
Why it might work: Comfort prize? Nobody will confuse McCollum for Lillard, however the veteran guard is coming off a season wherein he averaged a career-high 23.1 factors per sport and shot over 40 p.c from 3-point vary on excessive quantity. He would give the 76ers some desperately wanted perimeter creation.
Why it would not work: McCollum, Little and draft picks is a extra real looking return than Lillard for the Sixers, however is a borderline All-Star because the headliner one thing Morey and Model would settle for? It’s also unclear whether or not the Path Blazers are pushing arduous for a McCollum commerce. The Athletic’s Jason Fast famous that Portland “will not transfer him simply to have a unique look subsequent season,” and it appears doubtless that Path Blazers normal supervisor Neil Olshey “will run again the identical beginning 5.”
Ben Simmons to the Kings?
Kings obtain: Ben Simmons
76ers obtain: Marvin Bagley III, Tyrese Haliburton, Buddy Hield, draft compensation
Why it might work: There is not an enormous identify on this commerce package deal, however the 76ers may add a number of contributors. Hield is an elite sharpshooter (40.6 p.c 3-pointers for his profession) and will thrive in a successful atmosphere. Haliburton, who completed third in Rookie of the 12 months voting behind LaMelo Ball and Anthony Edwards, has the potential to develop right into a terrific level guard. Bagley hasn’t lived as much as expectations, however he’s solely 22 years previous. This deal would additionally permit the Kings to filter a crowded backcourt and provides Summer season League standout Davion Mitchell extra minutes.
Why it would not work: With Embiid getting into his peak years and the crew very a lot in win-now mode, Philly will not be prepared to attend for Haliburton and Bagley to totally develop. Not one of the gamers on this deal are almost as dynamic as Lillard and McCollum. From Sacramento’s perspective, when does the worth for Simmons change into too excessive?
Ben Simmons to the Spurs?
Spurs obtain: Ben Simmons
76ers obtain: Dejounte Murray, Devin Vassell, Derrick White, draft compensation
Why it might work: San Antonio is reportedly among the many groups inquisitive about buying Simmons, who has some Spurs-ian qualities and could be a welcome addition to the roster. Philadelphia can reap the benefits of that curiosity by taking again a number of items from the Spurs, together with Murray, a 24-year-old guard with a terrific defensive abilities and a few offensive upside.
Why it would not work: The Spurs simply do not have the “wow” issue to blow away the Sixers. Philadelphia would most likely ask for a bunch of picks and swap choices to make up for the truth that none of those guys are presently greater than respectable position gamers, and San Antonio doubtless would not give away the whole lot only for Simmons.
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