Sixers: Realistic Ben Simmons trade targets

Realistic Ben Simmons trades: Sixers acquire CJ McCollum, Robert Covington

The Trail Blazers and 76ers are in similar situations as organizations right now, each scratching their heads as they’ve wasted another season of their superstars’ primes. Just as the Sixers have faced questions about Simmons’ ability to be a number two, Portland has dealt with criticisms that CJ McCollum isn’t qualified to be Damian Lillard’s Robin. They’re probably right. However, that isn’t to say that McCollum isn’t an extremely gifted player. Before he was injured, CJ was on fire, and finished the season with career highs in points (23.1) and assists (4.7). He also shot over 40 percent from 3 and only had 1.4 turnovers per game. This was arguably the best season of his career, but his fit next to Lillard will always be questioned because they both have the same weakness: on-ball defense.

This trade makes a lot of sense for Portland because Ben Simmons is a perfect fit next to Dame. They each make up perfectly for the other’s shortcomings, which is exactly what a sidekick should do. Simmons is a historically great perimeter defender, which will allow him to cover for Lillard. He could also be utilized more as a roller on offense, and the thought of Ben catching lobs from Dame every night should have Portland fans salivating.

The hardest part of this trade for the Sixers might be letting Seth Curry go after he shot the lights out through the 2021 playoffs. He just had undoubtedly his best year as a pro and looks to be on one of the best value contracts in the NBA. I don’t see the Trail Blazers making this trade without Curry included, simply because they are losing a ton of offense in McCollum. Covington, the former Sixers fan favorite, can make up for some of the loss on the defensive end for Philly. He would, however, be a somewhat clunky fit next to Tobias Harris, as they both naturally play the four, meaning Covington would likely have to slide down to the three, which he has done in the past.

I would suspect the Sixers’ starting lineup would be Maxey-McCollum-Covington-Harris-Embiid. I’m still not sure that gives them enough juice on offense, but it’s certainly different. I know everyone wants to see a Simmons for Lillard trade, but that’s just not realistic now after how bad Ben looked throughout these playoffs. This unfortunately might be the best they can do.