Ben Simmons trade roundtable: Pitching our best Sixers trades

Ben Simmons trade roundtable: Sixers, Cavs, Wolves get creative

PROPOSED BY: CHRISTOPHER KLINE

Sixers also receive: 2022 first-round pick (MIN, top-3 protected), 2023 first-round pick swap (MIN), 2025 first-round pick swap (MIN), 2026 first-round pick (MIN, top-10 protected)

Cavaliers also receive: 2024 first-round pick (MIN, top-5 protected)

The Timberwolves’ interest in Ben Simmons continues to seep into the news cycle, despite no clear and easy route to a trade between the two teams. With that in mind, let’s take a crack at it. How can the Wolves — who presumably envision a four-man gauntlet of Karl-Anthony Towns, Ben Simmons, Anthony Edwards, and D’Angelo Russell — acquire the beleaguered All-Star?

As has been noted by just about everyone, the Wolves probably need a third team to get Simmons. Unless D’Angelo Russell were included, it’s hard to even match salaries. And, frankly, the Sixers shouldn’t have much interest in Russell, a sticky point guard who doesn’t really spread the love to teammates.

That brings us to Cleveland, where Collin Sexton’s future has been the talk of the town. The Cavs probably don’t want to extend him for $100 million+ with Darius Garland, another small and defensively-challenged guard, as the focal point of the backcourt. The Sixers might not have a sky-high opinion of Sexton’s looming extension either, but he makes a lot more sense with Joel Embiid anchoring the offense (and the defense).

The Wolves give up some serious draft capital, mainly because they aren’t giving up much else. Malik Beasley is a 20-point scorer when healthy and available, but he’s the Wolves’ fourth-best player and just got out of prison. Jaden McDaniels made the All-Rookie team and has intriguing two-way upside, but he becomes expendable upon Ben Simmons’ arrival up north. The Sixers, in turn, could use his size and versatility in the second unit.

For Cleveland, this is essentially kicking the can down the road. Sexton probably doesn’t net you a star via trade, and there are worse outcomes for Cleveland than a juicy draft pick and some young talent. The Cavs still aren’t ready to compete and need to round out the roster. Shake Milton averaged 13 points per game last season, and a lot of people still believe in him. Isaiah Joe is a flamethrower and smart team defender who can probably crack Cleveland’s bench rotation.

In the end, Philadelphia probably isn’t getting what they want for Simmons. With Lillard and Beal staying put, Daryl Morey could be forced into Plan B (or C, or D, or E, F, G…). Beasley and Sexton both stretch the floor and can create their own shots, a skill too few players on the Sixers’ roster possess. This would give Philly a lot of guards, and perhaps some further roster maneuvering would be in order, but it sets them up pretty well to swing big for Lillard or a different star further down the road.