Following a second-round exit from the NBA playoffs, rumors are already swirling regarding a potential Ben Simmons trade this offseason. Things may have hit a breaking point for the Philadelphia 76ers after Simmons struggled mightily in the playoffs. His struggles were notably evident in the series that knocked the 6ers out against the Atlanta Hawks.
In that second-round series, Simmons averaged 9.9 points, 8.6 assists and 6.3 rebounds. Not bad numbers at face value, especially if you add in the 1.3 steals 0.9 blocks he averaged.
His free throw shooting was atrocious in the series, though, and ultimately played a major role in the 76ers losing multiple games. Over the entire series, he shot 15-45 (33.3 percent) from the charity stripe.
In game five he went 4-14 from the line, the 76ers ultimately lost by three points. Game four saw him shoot just five free throws, one of which he converted in the 76ers’ three-point loss. Finally, in the series opener, Simmons hit 3-10 free throws in a four-point loss.
That is a total of 8-29 shooting from the line in three losses that came by a combined ten points. By game seven it was in his head, and the rest is history.
The 76ers have to decide if a Ben Simmons trade is the best route they can take to competing for a championship while Joel Embiid is in his prime. It’s understandable why one would say that moving on from Simmons is the best move for both parties.
For what it’s worth, the 76ers are currently painting the picture that Simmons is absolutely in their long-term plans. It’s tough to believe they are that invested in him right now, though. At the very least they’ll be listening to any offers that come their way in the coming weeks.
Ben Simmons Trade Offer Number One
Philadelphia 76ers Recieve: CJ McCollum, Robert Covington and Derrick Jones Jr.
Portland Trail Blazers Recieve: Ben Simmons, George Hill and Seth Curry
The Portland Trail Blazers are one of the most popular teams being linked to Simmons right now. They make sense for a number of reasons and should be considered one of the favorites to trade for Simmons if he is eventually moved.
In this deal, the 76ers bring in an elite offensive threat in CJ McCollum to pair with Embiid moving forward. They also receive defensive versatility and firepower in Robert Covington. Derrick Jones Jr. is included under the assumption he accepts his player option for next season.
The 76ers get to include George Hill in the deal, which is a positive given the circumstances. Including Seth Curry is far from ideal but worth the price in order to make the trade possible with neither team giving up future draft capital.
Portland Trail Blazers Season Recap.
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Ben Simmons Trade Offer Number Two
Philadelphia 76ers Recieve: Collin Sexton, Cedi Osman, Larry Nance Jr. and a 2022 2nd Round Draft Pick
Cleveland Cavaliers Recieve: Ben Simmons
Trade number two involves the Cavaliers and their young scoring guard Collin Sexton. He is the primary focus of the trade and it is being made with the commitment that he will be the Robin to Embiid’s Batman moving forward.
The 2nd Round Draft pick is tacked on to allow the 76ers to get another future pick back as they currently lack second-round draft picks. Additionally, the Cavaliers have more than they will be able to actually make in the coming seasons. Osman would be a fit with the new look 6ers roster and Nance Jr. could very well fit too.
If not, they can be moved in a later trade as they both carry value to any teams looking to win games right now. This trade allows the 76ers to get a young and promising sidekick to Embiid while the Cavaliers are able to acquire Simmons and focus on building things correctly around him. They have the third overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, as well.
Cleveland Cavaliers Season Recap.
Ben Simmons Trade Offer Number Three
Philadelphia 76ers Recieve: Kyle Lowry (Sign and Trade) and OG Anunoby
Toronto Raptors Recieve: Ben Simmons
This is a somewhat hefty price for the Raptors to pay to a team that is a rival in the Eastern Conference. OG Anunoby has come into his own in the NBA and is an impact player night in and night out. Kyle Lowry is likely on his way out the door anyway so this helps the Raptors net something before he exits.
Nick Nurse would have a wonderful time with Simmons, Pascal Siakam and Chris Boucher leading his team defensively. Additionally, the Raptors would hang on to Fred VanVleet as well as the fourth overall selection in the 2021 NBA Draft. They got the fourth overall pick after being among the NBA’s biggest winners in the draft lottery.
The Sixers agree to this trade as an all-out win-now move. They commit hard to winning a ring in the coming seasons with Lowry being the much more usual point guard to accompany Embiid instead of Simmons in that role. Anunoby adds a great three-and-d player to a group that would also include Embiid, Lowry, Tobias Harris, Seth Curry and Tyrese Maxey.
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