All signs point to Ben Simmons not being with the Philadelphia 76ers for the next season. Simmons had a fantastic campaign in the regular season and was a contender for Defensive Player of the Year candidate. But his inability to shoot the ball, along with his weak second-round offense against Atlanta, was a major factor in their departure.
While Doc Rivers had previously hinted that Simmons would stay, other reports have surfaced stating the 76ers are ready to move on from Simmons. An all-star player like Simmons isn’t going to come cheap. But there are teams that could pull the trigger for a deal that would benefit both parties. With that in mind, here are five teams that could be a landing site for Simmons next season.
5. Portland Trailblazer
Portland Trail Blazers received: Ben Simmons
Philadelphia 76ers Received: CJ McCollum, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson
This is as straightforward a deal as possible. McCollum narrowly missed an All-Star nomination last season due to an injury. His numbers were solid as he was a great second option behind Damian Lillard. But the Blazers missed round two, and the chance of a queen being eliminated keeps increasing.
With the addition of Simmons, the Trail Blazers have a solid defender and an excellent passer-by, the lady and co. The 76ers get a great shooter in CJ who can carry the team offensively and offers another ground clearance option with his solid three-point shooting
4. Minnesota Timberwolves
Minnesota Timberwolves received: Ben Simmons, Seth Curry
Philadelphia 76ers received: D’Angelo Russell, Malik Beasley, Jaylen Nowell, selections for first round 2022
For the Timberwolves, Ben Simmons would be absolutely perfect. The T’Wolves have two solid offensive players in Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards. Where they fight is at the defensive end. Adding an all-defensive player in Simmons would make their team a lot stronger. Seth Curry will provide a much-needed ground clearance option for Minnesota, which struggled with three-point shooting last season. And with Simmons opening Curry as a third option, the Timberwolves could be a solid attacking force.
D’Lo will be a defensive downgrade for Philly. But the rest of the team around D’Lo will be well trained. Russell is a solid offensive player who can create his own shot and set up games for others. Beasley and Nowell will be great options off the bench as well. And if the 76s want to continue trading, they’ll get the 2022 pick as an asset.
3. Golden State Warriors
Golden State Warriors received: Ben Simmons
Philadelphia 76ers Received: Andrew Wiggins, Juan Toscano Anderson, Jordan Poole, No. 14 Pick
This deal puts both teams in a solid position. Andrew Wiggins was critical to a Warriors team that didn’t do very well. He’s a solid player on both offense and defense. What he lacks in defensive strength, he makes up for with his offensive contributions compared to Simmons. And in the 76ers system, he’ll have a better chance. While JTA and Poole will add more shooting options from the bench.
For the Warriors, they add another solid defender to the field alongside Draymond Green. With Simmons as the small forward, he can help Klay Thompson and Steph Curry get open looks. And giving the Splash Brothers is equivalent to giving them a guaranteed bucket. In addition, Simmons would only be the third option offensively, from which he will benefit greatly. Simmons could be the piece that brings the Warriors back to the championship fight.
2. Sacramento Kings
Sacramento Kings received: Ben Simmons
Philadelphia 76ers received: Buddy Hield, Tyrese Haliburton, First Round Pick 2022, First Round Pick 2023, Second Round Pick 2023
For the Kings, this could be the move that will get them back into playoff competition. Breaking up with Haliburton will be tough business for her. But what they get in return could be huge. Someone who praises the ball for Marvin Bagley while keeping opposing players from getting buckets is a huge plus for her. Losing Haliburton and Hield, two of their best shooters, is difficult, but they have other stars on the team who can move up in their absence. Right now the Kings need an all-star, all-defensive player.
The 76ers are getting a star in Haliburton to help build their future. Matching him with Tyrese Maxey could secure her future back ground for years to come. Both Haliburton and Hield are solid three-point shooters and can create for others as well. And the assets mean the 76ers can take more steps to strengthen their roster.
1. New York Knicks
New York Knicks Received: Ben Simmons
Philadelphia 76ers Received: Immanuel Quickley, Kevin Knox, Obi Toppin, 2021 No. 21 pick, 2022 first-round pick
This deal brings the Knicks another all-star to mate with Julius Randle. This move adds a great defender to one of the best defensive teams in the league. Placing Simmons with Julius Randle and Derrick Rose can create an underrated but overwhelming front three in the Garden. Rose can create, but not at the level Simmons can. If the Knicks manage to secure Simmons, they have the potential to do even better than last season.
The 76ers get a young point guard who doesn’t shy away from the big moments. Additionally, two seasons ago Obi Toppin didn’t get a chance to show why he was one of the best college players out there. They also receive draft picks that they can use or stow away depending on Daryl Morey’s plans. The 76ers benefit from the multitude of players they get.
