Sixers: Possible Ben Simmons trade with Rockets No. 3
Sixers also receive: 2022 first-round pick (Houston), 2025 first-round pick swap (Houston), 2027 first-round pick (Brooklyn)
We have arrived at the obligatory three-team trade, which comes much closer than the previous frameworks to accomplishing what Daryl Morey wants to accomplish. Hayward is not the All-Star he once was in Utah, but last season, he wasn’t too far off. He was the best player for a spry and competitive Hornets team, showcasing some of the offensive pop that once made him the beloved leader in Jazzland.
Hayward is a tremendous fit with Philadelphia’s roster and would take very little time building up a strong two-man rapport with Joel Embiid. He’s a dynamic 3-point shooter, a strong secondary playmaker, and a versatile wing defender. He checks a lot of boxes in Simmons’ absence.
As for Houston, it’s simple — Christian Wood, a few picks, and some extra parts in exchange for Simmons, who can help lead the next generation of Rockets basketball. It’s easy to get skeptical of Simmons’ fit with the Rockets’ current timeline, but “he’s too good” is rarely a negative comment. Simmons is young and, as mentioned previously, simply represents the type of player Houston does not typically have access to due to market size.
The Hornets swap Hayward, who some would say doesn’t fit LaMelo Ball’s timeline, for Christian Wood. There aren’t many better offensive centers around the NBA than Wood, who is severely underrated in his ability to exploit defenses at all three levels. He would fit seamlessly next to Ball and would strengthen the Hornets’ perpetually under-sized frontcourt.
There’s a lot to like for each side here. In fact, this writer would consider it a win-win-win.