5 teams that should trade for Ben Simmons: San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs are somewhat directionless, and while I can’t promise Ben Simmons would give them a clear direction, he would give them a clear foundational piece. Gregg Popovich’s respect for Simmons is well-documented, and there’s no better coach and culture to draw something more out of Philadelphia’s favorite scapegoat.
San Antonio would have to part with Dejounte Murray and perhaps another piece or two. That would replenish the Sixers’ backcourt defense, and give the Spurs a former No. 1 pick with the talent — if he unlocks it all — to carry the franchise forward. There is no organization that should feel better about its developmental staff than San Antonio, and even as is, Simmons would give the Spurs a better shot at sneaking into the seventh or eighth seed than Murray.
Some would prefer a full-out rebuild in San Antonio, and that’s reasonable. No team on this list should go all-out for Simmons, because frankly, he hasn’t the reputation for it. That said, the Spurs have long prided themselves on defense and ball movement, two areas in which Simmons has traditionally thrived.
DeMar DeRozan is unlikely to return, so the Spurs would not have to worry about a clunky fit. They could tailor the roster around Simmons, with several talented young players (Keldon Johnson, Lonnie Walker, Derrick White) who would look good next to Simmons. San Antonio would have some real defensive potential, and the shooting to make Simmons’ work — at least in the regular season. No team on this list is ready to compete at the absolute highest level, but Simmons puts San Antonio closer, and gives them a pretty long window.