Sixers: 3 fair trades involving Ben Simmons and Tyrese Maxey

Tyrese Maxey + Ben Simmons trades: Sixers and Kings exchanging of the guards

Sixers also receive: 2022 first-round pick (SAC, unprotected), 2024 first-round pick (SAC, top-10 protected), 2025 first-round pick swap (SAC)

At some point, we have to get real about Ben Simmons‘ value. There’s a reason no team has met Morey’s outlandish asking price. The entire league saw him crumble like cookie cake in the playoffs, and his four-year, $147 million contract is no minor commitment. The fanbase can’t spend all summer begging for a Simmons trade, then get offended when the offers aren’t James Harden-esque.

That said, with both Simmons and Maxey on the table, the Kings would have to give up a significant haul. Simmons is a perennial All-Star and one of the best defenders on the planet. Next to De’Aaron Fox, he could be unlocked in a new offensive role. Maxey gives the Kings another young guard to develop behind them, with the upside of a top-10 pick.

Sacramento will not include Fox, but there’s a lot to be said for Tyrese Haliburton. He’s the next-best trade target on the Kings’ roster, and a legitimate salve for many of the injuries a Simmons trade would inflict upon the Sixers’ rotation. Then, with Maxey out the door, Philadelphia essentially swaps him for Davion Mitchell. Fan favorite for fan favorite.

Harrison Barnes is salary filler, but he’s also on a semi-reasonable contract and would provide necessary size and versatility in the starting five. Simmons’ absence on defense will be felt no matter what, but Barnes can help defend bigger wings while Mitchell and Matisse Thybulle wreak havoc off the bench.

If Damian Lillard becomes available down the line, then Philadelphia has Haliburton, Mitchell, Thybulle, and a boatload of first-round picks to sweeten the package. It’s not quite as ideal as building a package around Simmons, but there are worse alternatives.