Sixers: Top realistic trade target from 5 teams interested in Ben Simmons
Sixers’ top realistic Ben Simmons trade target from Pacers: Malcolm Brogdon
There’s a compelling argument for Caris LeVert, who is two years younger than Malcolm Brogdon and a more electric individual scorer. That said, with injuries are the primary reason, the Sixers should prioritize Brogdon is any future dealings with Indiana. Naturally, it has already been reported that Brogdon and a first-round pick were offered for Simmons — and declined.
Further complicating matters is the poor fit between Simmons and Indiana’s best player, Domantas Sabonis, who the Sixers could not hope to pair with Embiid. If the Pacers swap Brogdon and pieces for Simmons, then it would also be prudent to explore the Sabonis trade market. Or, perhaps a third team would get involved and take Sabonis, contributing more assets to help land Simmons in Indy.
In the end, Simmons does help the Pacers in their pursuit of postseason relevance. Even if his flaws are too great to ignore in the second round and beyond, the Pacers are not currently a second round team. Simmons is a tremendously impactful regular season player, and would immediately earn the mantle of Indiana’s top player — Sabonis or no Sabonis.
Brogdon averaged 21.2 points and 5.9 assists during Indiana’s tumultuous 2021 season. He’s a gifted shooter with a high basketball I.Q. and a rock-solid frame, which he puts to good use on defense. He’s as good a fit as any next to Embiid, with plenty experience playing off-ball and attacking closeouts.