Sixers: 3 possible Ben Simmons trades to Cavaliers

Sixers’ 3 possible Ben Simmons trades to Cavaliers: Fine, Kevin Love

Sixers also receive: 2022 first-round pick swap, 2023 first-round pick (unprotected), 2024 first-round pick swap, 2025 first-round pick (top-5 protected), 2026 first-round pick swap, 2027 first-round pick (top-5 protected)

Basically, the Sixers absorb Cleveland’s entire draft future. In exchange, the Cavs get to swap Kevin Love’s beefy contract for Ben Simmons, a three-time All-Star and potential defensive backbone. The appeal is pretty clear for both sides, even if this trade poses a great deal of risk for both sides.

If you’re Philadelphia, you basically double the size of your war chest in the event of a future star trade demand. If Damian Lillard or Bradley Beal asks out, for example, you can offer not only your own picks and swaps, but also Cleveland’s picks and swaps. The sheer volume of draft capital could outweigh any other packages from around the league.

If you’re Cleveland, you get to keep your entire core in tact, and add another 25-and-under stud to the mix. Simmons immediately puts you in the playoffs conversation, and he’s good friends with fellow Klutch client Darius Garland, who you will want to keep happy long-term. The downside, of course, is that you’re paying for Simmons and you’re paying to unload Love, which leaves you with less trade flexibility moving forward. Do the Cavs sacrifice six years of picks for a core of Ben Simmons, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Collin Sexton?

This framework feels distinctly unlikely in comparison to the first package, but there is logic in it for both sides. Philadelphia can either deploy Love as a sixth man (he’s still useful when healthy), or negotiate a buy out and let him stroll over to LA or Brooklyn. This clearly puts a dent in Philadelphia’s immediate title aspirations, but if you’re Daryl Morey, you’re stocking up for a trade that could put you right back in the mix.