Timberwolves Ben Simmons trade scenario #3 — Sixers grab a familiar face
The Sixers could, in theory, just take the root of these lack couple packages — Ricky Rubio and his hefty expiring contract, Malik Beasley, Jarrett Culver or Josh Okogie, and a couple first-round picks. That would fall in range, I would expect, of Ben Simmons’ perceived trade value at the moment, and both Rubio and Beasley would prove valuable members of the Sixers’ rotation.
That said, in this variation, the Sixers get a pair of expiring contracts from Chicago in the form of Thaddeus Young and Tomas Satoransky — both of whom would factor into the rotation immediately. Young is the ideal backup big, with the ability to shoot, pass, and defend all over the floor. He can slot in as a small-ball five, or share the court with Joel Embiid. His $14.1 million contract is not an overpay and the Sixers, unlike Chicago, are certain to appreciate his skill set.
Satoransky is a tall point guard who can shoot the 3 and run the offense with a steady hand. He could step into the starting five, but more likely, he would join the likes of George Hill and Tyrese Maxey in forming an offensively versatile, guard-heavy second unit.
And, of course, there’s Malik Beasley, the one common factor on Philadelphia’s end in all three of these trades. If the Wolves hold tight to Anthony Edwards — they will — then Beasley is the big get. Russell is not as good a fit as people think he is, and the contract is brutal. Beasley is on a dandy $14.3 million contract, though the jail sentence he is currently serving is no doubt a red flag.
The Sixers are not going to get a star of comparable value to Simmons unless something seismic — such as a Damian Lillard trade request — falls into Philadelphia’s lap. His trade value is simply too low to expect even fair compensation. That said, the pressure to appease Joel Embiid, and not construct a more fluid offense come postseason, could force Morey to get creative and settle for multiple good pieces, rather than one great piece. None of these trades, however, would serve as Morey’s only move, and all of them could be used as precursors to other trades.