What does the future hold for Ben Simmons?
By: Zach Blaine
After an abysmal playoff run at the free-throw line, Simmons has been looked at as the scapegoat and a major factor for the Philadelphia 76ers not advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals and potentially a championship run. Although his playmaking and defensive ability are something to marvel at, the limitations on the offensive end have the Sixers stuck in mud. A liability in close games late, coach Nate McMillan was able to expose Simmons’ weakness and send him to the line late in games using the Hack-A-Shaq rule. He was 15 for 45 (33%) from the charity stripe in the Hawks series and 34.2% overall in the playoffs which is the worst percentage in NBA playoff history among players who had at least 70 attempts.
Social media took this and ran with it as you can imagine and he continued to be the main headline for Sixers basketball throughout the playoffs. Fans have urged general manager Daryl Morey to trade Ben and look for other options to pair with Joel Embiid and Tobias Harris. Since this is a topic of discussion… Let’s look at a few options for the Sixers GM and around the league.
Morey calls Pop:
If in fact the Sixers decide to trade Simmons, the San Antonio Spurs could be a taker on the 2-time All-Star. A package that could make sense is…
The 12th Overall Pick
Derrick White for Ben Simmons
Jakob Poetl
This trade makes sense for both sides as the Sixers get a playmaking guard in White and can also you the draft pick to fill another facilitating role. Poetl will add good big man depth behind Embiid.
The Bulls Return to the Promised Land:
Another team that could look to make a splash move this offseason is the Chicago Bulls. After adding Nikola Vucevic at the trade deadline, the Bulls aren’t scared to get better. With Zach LaVine as budding superstar, the Bulls are in win now mode. Billy Donovan will be in his second year and will be looking to return to the playoffs for the first since 2009.
Lauri Markkanen Ben Simmons
Daniel Theis for Shake Milton
Thaddeus Young
This trade is great for the Sixers as well because adding the outside shooting of Markkanen at stretch 4 spot could really free up the key for Embiid. Theis and Young would add solid veteran depth.
Draymond 2.0:
Bob Myers isn’t afraid of making a big move or shaking up his roster a little bit. Playing alongside Steph Curry and Klay Thompson feels like the best thing possible for Ben Simmons. Simmons could bring a new flare to the offense and expand the even more position less NBA. A lineup of Steph, Klay, Draymond, Ben and some dude off the street would be scary for the league.
Here are a couple of trades the Warriors could attempt…
1st:
7th overall pick
Jordan Poole for Ben Simmons
Kevon Looney
OR
2nd:
14th Overall Pick
Eric Paschall for Ben Simmons
Sign- and-Trade Kelly Oubre
Eithe trade could benefit both teams and would give Ben a fresh start on a team where he doesn’t have to be a scoring threat. His defensive versatility could shine on the Warriors. A fast break that starts with a Simmons rebound could be scary.
Where could Simmons end up? Feel free to propose trades in the comments below.
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