NBA
Prime Trade Destinations for 3x All-Star PG Ben Simmons (Philadelphia 76ers)
76ers aren't sure their former 1st overall pick can lead them to a title, so here are the top trade destinations for 3x All-Star Ben Simmons
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The Philadelphia 76ers entered the 2021 NBA postseason as the number one seed in the East with hopes of making a deep run, which they haven’t been able to do in recent years. However, they were bounced in the second round by an Atlanta Hawks team that most thought they should handle fairly easily. Throughout the playoffs and specifically with their series against the Hawks, Ben Simmons severely underperformed under the bright lights.
Simmons set the record for the lowest free throw percentage during a single postseason with at least 70 attempts in NBA history, and went missing during the crunch time. He only shot the ball three times during all seven fourth quarters of their series with Atlanta, including none in the final four games.
These types of performances were not what Philly was hoping for from their former first overall pick. Head coach Doc Rivers and the 76ers organization are unsure if he can lead this team to a championship, so his future with the team is uncertain. If they decide to trade him, here are the prime destinations for the three-time All-Star:
MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES
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The T-Wolves have a strong trio that features Anthony Edwards, Karl Anthony-Towns, and D’Angelo Russell, making them a team with great potential in the future. Adding Ben Simmons to the roster would instantly give MIN the best young core in the league. Minnesota could package Malik Beasley and Ricky Rubio to match Simmons’ salary, plus they have young talents such as Josh Okogie, Jarrett Culver, and Naz Reid that could entice Philly.
SAN ANTONIO SPURS
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Demar DeRozan is a free agent this summer, and there are rumors he will be leaving, so Gregg Popovich might be looking for a new piece to build around. San Antonio has also taken defensive players like Kawhi Leonard and turned them into highly productive players under Gregg Popovich’s tutelage. The Spurs have younger guards like Dejounte Murray, Derrick White, and Lonnie Walker to use as trade pieces.
CHICAGO BULLS
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After trading for Nikola Vucevic this season, it is clear that the Bulls are in win-now mode with Zach LaVine playing his best basketball. Adding Simmons would give them a third All-Star, and a playoff appearance would be expected. Coby White, a young and talented guard, could be used as a part of the trade package that likely wouldn’t require much more additional assets besides salary matching pieces.
NEW YORK KNICKS
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New York has re-established itself as a playoff team, and they have one of the biggest fanbases in all of basketball to go alongside the greatest venue. Tom Thibodeau is a defensive-minded coach, which coincides with Simmons’ game. Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett are young and exciting guards that could entice Philly in a potential blockbuster inter-division trade.
HOUSTON ROCKETS
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The Rockets have previously been interested in Ben Simmons and could start their rebuild around him. Kevin Porter Jr., Houston’s young and promising playmaker, can play well off the ball and could benefit from a guy like Simmons on the ball getting him open looks with John Wall providing Philly with a much-needed veteran presence in this scenario.
New coach Stephen Silas could help develop Simmons’ offensive game like he did with KPJ once he landed in H-Town. Silas also helped lead Dallas to the highest offensive rating in NBA history during their 2019-20 season as an asst. coach. The biggest question is would 76ers GM Daryl Morey make a blockbuster trade with the franchise that employed him for over a decade.
Ben Simmons' TOP CAREER DIMES!
— NBA (@NBA) March 25, 2021
#1 in the East @sixers visit the Lakers TONIGHT at 10pm/et on TNT. pic.twitter.com/vWXQXXnR6Q
The best of Ben Simmons on the DEFENSIVE END this season! 🔒
— NBA (@NBA) February 17, 2021
East-leading @sixers host Houston tonight at 7:30pm/et on ESPN pic.twitter.com/2KMCe2RVk8
6'10" with handles!
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) July 21, 2020
HBD @BenSimmons25 pic.twitter.com/05zBXfU8hN
🚂💨💨💨@BenSimmons25 coast-to-coast finishes! pic.twitter.com/fhiPwQpE4B
— NBA (@NBA) May 29, 2020
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