Sixers: Ranking hypothetical Ben Simmons trade targets

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Ranking Sixers’ hypothetical Ben Simmons trade targets: Quick yes

4. Zach LaVine

A breakout 2021 season earned Zach LaVine his first All-Star berth, and put him firmly on the radar of every Sixers fan. Frankly, Simmons’ value may have plummeted to a point where the Sixers would need to attach assets to pull LaVine away from Chicago. Whether or not that’s the case, he’s certainly one of the better imaginable outcomes for Philadelphia.

As the Bulls’ heart and soul, LaVine averaged 27.4 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.9 assists last season. He hit 41.9 percent of his 8.2 attempts per game from 3, and shot over 50 percent from the field. He’s a bonafide go-to option, and would have no trouble forming a dynamic two-man tandem with Embiid.

The elephant in the room with LaVine, similar to McCollum, is defense. He also has a torn ACL on his resume. That said, LaVine is only 26 and has even more room to grow. He may not be a point guard by trade, but he took a major step forward as a playmaker last season. LaVine looked the part of not only a great scorer, but a great scorer who can involve and elevate teammates. He should be on the Sixers’ to-do list if he’s available.

3. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

This gets a bit tricky, as it would likely require Ben Simmons going to a third team, or OKC operating with the intention of trading Simmons again once he recoups more value next season. Even so, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is an absolute idealistic outcome for the Sixers.

Gilgeous-Alexander is younger than Simmons, and a comparable, if not outright better player. He was stuck in the mud with OKC’s rebuild last season, but still averaged 23.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 4.9 assists. He hit 50.8 percent of his shots and 41.8 percent of his 3s. He not a shabby defender at 6-foot-6, and would help Philadelphia maintain some of its edge size-wise.

While LaVine is probably the better player right now, Gilgeous-Alexander is not far off, and he comes with a better contract situation and more long-term flexibility. He is more than capable of helping Embiid steer the ship late in games, and he’s big enough to share the floor with another star guard if Philadelphia can make subsequent moves.