Sixers: 5 most likely Ben Simmons trade destinations

Today, dear friends, we shall read some tea leaves. A Ben Simmons trade is imminent. Whether it’s tomorrow or January, who can say. But we do know a trade in coming, and the Sixers‘ roster will change drastically because of it.

This article will focus on the most likely destinations for Simmons. Not the best team fits, not which trade partner would most benefit the Sixers — a straight up appraisal of which teams have the highest probability of landing the beleaguered All-Star.

We will focus, naturally, on the teams that have been commonly reported in the Simmons sweepstakes. Apologies to Charlotte — if only!

The Sixers are going to trade Ben Simmons. Which team is most likely to land him?

Last season, Simmons averaged 14.3 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 6.9 assists, taking a notable step back in efficiency and raising questions about his stunted development as a scorer. To make matters worse, the 6-foot-10 wunderkind looked totally unmoored in the playoffs. In the Sixers’ second round loss to Atlanta, his scoring average sunk to 9.9 points per game.

While it’s clear opposing front offices are hesitant to unload the clip in a Simmons trade, we are reaching an inflection point. With training camp commencing in under a month, Philadelphia would no doubt like to move forward with a clean slate to start the season. On the other hand, the team getting Simmons would probably want him in the building as soon as possible.

Simmons is one of the best defenders in the NBA, and a perennial Eastern Conference All-Star at 25 years old. He is under contract for four more years, all guaranteed, and creates more 3-pointers for teammates than just about anyone not named Luka Doncic. That kind of player generally demands a high price tag. The Sixers are likely to get screwed in one way or another, but teams have interest in Simmons. This won’t drag out forever. There’s too much demand for a supply of one.

With that in mind… here are some honorable mentions — Portland Trail Blazers, Cleveland Cavaliers, LA Clippers, Indiana Pacers.