Sixers: 3 possible Ben Simmons trades with Pacers

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Sixers: Possible Ben Simmons trade with Pacers No. 1

Sixers also receive: 2024 first-round pick (lottery protected), 2026 first-round pick (top-5 protected)

This seems to be the most logical place to start. The Sixers will need another point guard to assume playmaking duties post-Simmons. While Tyrese Maxey is in line for expanded minutes, he’s probably not the best short-term solution as Philadelphia attempts to win a championship. Brogdon has never made the All-Star team, but he’s knocking on the door every season.

Last season, Brogdon averaged 21.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.9 assists while slashing .453/.388/.864 from the field. A very efficient perimeter shooter, Brogdon has come into his own as a go-to creator with Indiana. He would serve as the No. 2 scorer in Philadelphia — not the No. 1 scorer — but he’s accustomed to complementary roles and playing off-ball, having spent the early portion of his career next to Giannis Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee.

The Sixers also get Jeremy Lamb. He appeared in only 36 games last season, but when healthy, Lamb is an excellent rotation wing and a surefire contributor. He can guard multiple positions at 6-foot-5, and he splashed home 40.3 percent of his 3s. In fact, both could credibly start.

For Indiana, this is a clear talent upgrade. The chance to pair Simmons with perimeter shot creators such as Caris LeVert and T.J. Warren is instantly intriguing, even if the fit with Domantas Sabonis is questionable. The recent hiring of Rick Carlisle also reaffirms Indiana’s commitment to winning. Simmons and Myles Turner would anchor an elite defense, while Sabonis and Simmons could stagger to keep one jumbo playmaker on the floor at all times.

Two protected first-round picks feels like a reasonable toll price for Indiana, who is getting the best player in the deal. That said, with Simmons’ value and league-wide reputation in the tank, it may be a tad optimistic. On the whole, Brogdon is one of the better players Philadelphia can realistically get in a Simmons trade.