Sixers: Grading 3 potential Ben Simmons trades from Warriors

Sixers: Grading potential Ben Simmons to Warriors trade: Counteroffer

Sixers also receive: 2022 first-round pick (GSW), 2022 first-round pick (LAC, via OKC), 2025 first-round pick swap (GSW), 2026 first-round pick (GSW, top-5 protected)

There’s a condensed version of this trade that lands Wiseman in Philadelphia. That is fine, and maybe even more “likely” when you consider the volume of moving parts involved here. That said, OKC is giving up two middling first-round picks and a rotation wing for the chance to feature and rehabilitate the reputation of last season’s No. 2 overall pick. With so many picks at their disposal, that feels like a reasonable gamble for the Thunder.

For Philadelphia, this feels like a more suitable return for Simmons, who again, is a three-time All-Star at 25 years old, and is one of the best defenders in the NBA. That’s without mentioning his transition playmaking, which would look mighty fine next to Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, arguably the two greatest shooters in NBA history.

There’s a good chance Kuminga and Dort would both play with the second unit, but the main appeal here is lining up future trades. Again, that has to be Philadelphia’s focus if no team is offering another legitimate All-Star in return. Without Simmons, the Sixers probably take a step or two back in the title race. They have to position themselves to make up that ground at the trade deadline when the next star inevitably asks out.

A starting five of Joel Embiid, Tobias Harris, Andrew Wiggins, Danny Green, and Tyrese Maxey isn’t lighting up the NBA, but it’s a playoff team. It’s a good enough stopgap until Daryl Morey can fire up his next maneuver. There’s a good chance the Simmons saga culminates in a rather ugly way for Philadelphia, but Morey has to hold out until he can position the Sixers to get back into contention down the line. Simmons is too good not to fetch a significant haul.