It’s not a matter of it, but rather when for a Ben Simmons trade to occur. Whenever it does happen, it’s going to hurt the Philadelphia 76ers on some level. How great or little the collateral damage will be based on what the franchise gets in return for him.
What type of collateral damage will the Philadelphia 76ers be looking at from a Simmons trade?
There are three types of returns the 76ers could get in a trade for Simmons. The first is the preferred one which is to trade Simmons for a better player, like for example Damian Lillard. In order to get a superstar player of that caliber, the Sixers won’t be able to send just Simmons in a trade.
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They would have to trade Simmons along with young players, like Tyrese Maxey and/or Matisse Thybulle, along with plenty of draft picks. That would of course destroy Philly’s young, but deep depth.
Another type of trade would be if the Sixers received a player of Simmons caliber and in that case, the level of damage would be minimal. The 76ers would lose one of the best defenders in the whole NBA and one of the better playmakers, but in return, they would probably get a guard who is very good offensively. That would include his shooting and playmaking. Whatever they would lose defensively, they would make up for on offense.
The final type of trade would be for Philly to get multiple players of a less caliber but who are better fits alongside Joel Embiid. The Sixers would get a more cohesive team and better depth but lose star power, which is essential for winning a title.
Depending on the type of return the Philadelphia 76ers get in a Simmons trade will dictate the type of damage it will do to the roster. However, they can’t get something without getting something in return so whatever trade happens, the Sixers have to make sure the return can make up for the loss of Simmons.