Sixers podcast: Malcolm Brogdon, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander speculation

In this week’s episode of The Sixer Sense Podcast, Lucas Johnson and Christopher Kline dive into more Ben Simmons trade speculation, which has been plentiful ever since Philadelphia’s second-round exit. Specifically, we focus on two potential Sixers targets — Indiana’s Malcolm Brogdon and Oklahoma City’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

First, the duo touches on the recent Brogdon rumor. According to Jason Dumas of Bleacher Report, Indiana was rejected in its offer of Brogdon and a first-round pick for Simmons. That sets the table for a lengthy discussion about Simmons’ trade value, and what the Pacers could potentially add to that offer to make the Sixers budge.

Next, it’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who some high-level talking heads believe could reach the trade market as OKC deliberates the future of its rebuild. Should the 22-year-old become available, Philadelphia has the pieces to make a move — with or without Ben Simmons. Would OKC truly consider trading him, and how much should Philadelphia hypothetically offer?

All the trade talk leads into yet another Ben Simmons talking point: Doc Rivers’ lack of public accountability for the All-Star point guard. In a recent TMZ “interview,” Rivers said he wants Simmons back next season, and voiced his confidence in the Aussie.

All season, Rivers has been nothing but complementary of Simmons’ current skill set, and has pushed back against the suggestion that his game needs to expand dramatically. Lucas and Christopher debate whether Rivers’ unwillingness to challenge Simmons publicly has hurt the star’s development.

Lastly, the podcast looks ahead to free agency, where the Sixers will have the $5.9 million taxpayer’s mid-level exception at their disposal. We list potential targets, and debate the Sixers’ needs — a backup big, size on the wing, or more firepower in the backcourt.

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We will be back later this week with more Sixers content!