Sixers: 3 possible Ben Simmons trades with Pacers

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Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Sixers: Possible Ben Simmons trade with Pacers No. 2

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

This trade allows Indiana to keep its two best players (Brogdon and Sabonis) while still adding Simmons, forming a credible “big three” in the age of super-powered contenders. Simmons would do well next to other reliable playmakers, which Brogdon and Sabonis are, and the Pacers would have enough raw talent to make noise in the East.

For the Sixers, this deal is pretty simple. You get two starting-caliber wings who can space the floor and create from scratch, a valuable combination. Caris LeVert is an especially gifted shot-maker, with electric live-dribble athleticism. He would give Philadelphia a player who can consistently generate his own offense, be it in isolation, or pulling up out of the pick-and-roll. That is a player archetype the Sixers have desperately lacked ever since Jimmy Butler left.

LeVert has a slew of injuries on his resumé, and T.J. Warren is currently recovering from foot surgery after missing all but four games last season. That is enough to give Philadelphia pause, but both are incredible fits. Also, Warren was basically MVP of the Bubble. You can only put so much stock into eight games and a playoff series, but he was a dynamite three-level scorer in 2019-20.

Warren is at worst an excellent sixth man, while LeVert has genuine All-Star potential. He averaged 20.7 points and 4.9 assists in 35 appearances with Indiana last season, taking his first big leap in the absence of Brooklyn’s crowded backcourt. At best, the Sixers would have two wings with All-Star upside. LeVert and Warren are 27 and 28, respectively, so both should have plenty of gas left in the tank.

The Sixers also get Chris Duarte, the 24-year-old rookie and reigning 13th overall pick. He’s an excellent perimeter shooter with some juice off the bounce and a great competitive spirit. This is a well-rounded haul for Philadelphia, even if injury concerns and the lack of true top-tier talent are glaring.