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 and he has reportedly told the team he doesn’t intend to show up to training camp in hopes of a trade. If Philly decides to trade him, here are the prime destinations for the 3x NBA All-Star:
MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES
COLORS KEY | FULL TIMBERWOLVES OUTLOOK
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 Patrick Beverley to match Simmons’ salary, plus they have young talents such as Josh Okogie, Jaden McDaniels, and Naz Reid that could entice Philly along with multiple draft picks.
SACRAMENTO KINGS
COLORS KEY | FULL KINGS OUTLOOK
Sacramento is loaded with an abundance of guards, all of which could appeal to Philadelphia, a team in need of shooting and playmaking. The Kings just drafted Davion Mitchell while De’Aaron Fox appears to be their franchise player who’s off-limits, which means Buddy Hield and/or Tyrese Haliburton are the most likely candidates to be sent to Philly in return for the Defensive Player of the Year candidate. Simmons’ playmaking ability could get the most out of Fox and Bagley in hopes of playoff contention.
SAN ANTONIO SPURS
COLORS KEY | FULL SPURS OUTLOOK
With Demar DeRozan departing this summer, Gregg Popovich might be looking for a new piece to build around and has the ammo to make something happen with an influx of young, promising pieces. 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, Keldon Johnson, Josh Primo, Devin Vassell, and Lonnie Walker to use as trade pieces.
HOUSTON ROCKETS
COLORS KEY | FULL ROCKETS OUTLOOK
The Rockets have previously been interested in Ben Simmons and could start their rebuild around him. Kevin Porter Jr., and Jalen Green are Houston’s young and promising playmakers. Both can play well off the ball and could benefit from a guy like Simmons on the ball getting him open looks (if KPJ isn’t included in the deal himself) with John Wall providing Philly with a much-needed veteran presence in this scenario with the type of salary to match Simmons’ monster deal for trade purposes.
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
Share this Ben Simmons destinations article with friends and follow for more great sports content!
