Piece by: Nick Lombardi
Ben Simmons is a broken man right now. He's still an incredible defender and he can pass. But he is really bad at offense. He won't shoot and he can't shoot. So many missed free throws and so many wasted possessions. All that being said, he is still a valuable player and there are a few teams that can benefit from his services in various ways.
1: The Portland Trail Blazers: The Blazers have absolutely no defense. They could really use Simmons on that end to guard their opponents best player. Furthermore, you can run some pick and rolls with him and Dame that have plenty of promise offensively. What would the trade look like? CJ McCollum straight up. CJ gives the 6ers some much needed shooting and he can even fill in at PG now and then.
2. The Minnesota Timberwolves: This may be the best fit for Simmons who can bring both defense and playmaking to Minnesota who are a team stuck in the mud right now at the bottom of the west. KAT is a gifted offensive player and Anthony Edwards is a young star in the making on both ends of the floor. What does the trade look like? Either a deal centered around D'Angelo Russell or Malik Beasley and Ricky Rubio. The 2nd option gives Philly a great half court point guard and a great scoring guard in Beasley. The 1st option gives them a legit scoring machine with ice in his veins.
3. The Denver Nuggets: The Nuggets are, wouldn't you know, badly in need of defense. Jokic is a liability on that end and Simmons can easily take some pressure off of him there. There are pick and roll opportunities and the Nuggets would have the two best passing bigs in the league. What would it look like? Barton + AG + Bol Bol. This trade gives Philly 2 good role players on movable, expiring deals. They also get a decent prospect in Bol Bol.
4. The Oklahoma City Thunder: The Thunder will take anybody if there are draft picks involved. This deal would only happen if Philly really gets desperate trying to add a half court playmaker with some scoring ability. What would it look like? Kemba for Simmons and draft capital. If Morey strikes out in free agency and can't find much of a market for Simmons, this trade gets rid of Simmons and his contract for a former all star who has struggled with injuries. Kemba is a massive dice roll, but if he can return to form than he can be an incredible piece for the 76ers title quests.