Sixers: Tyrese Maxey’s play changes a Ben Simmons trade

The Philadelphia 76ers have been rather impressive without the presence of Ben Simmons on the court this season and Tyrese Maxey has been a big reason why. The Sixers are 8-5 despite Simmons’ drama and injuries/COVID issues.

Maxey has stepped up in a big way with the All-Star defender sidelined. The second year point guard has averaged 17.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 4.7 assists, while making 50.6 percent of his field goals and 38.1 percent of his 3-pointers.

Despite being 21 years old, Maxey has proven he’s capable of being the starting point guard for this team. The upside of the point guard is undeniable and it should have some level of impact on what type of player the Sixers pursue in a potential Simmons trade.

It should be noted that the idea for this article came from a tweet from Brian Jacobs of The Painted Lines.

Maxey’s play influences what type of trade the Sixers make involving Simmons.

Maxey has legit All-Star potential and making a trade that could impact his growth in a negative way. That’s not to say that if a point guard of Damian Lillard caliber becomes available the Sixers shouldn’t make a trade. Certainly still make that trade, even if that means Maxey has to be traded along with Simmons.

That being written, if there are point guards on a tier below Lillard’s skill that becomes available, then the 76ers should double guess on making a move for that guy. If guards like De’Aaron Fox or CJ McCollum are available, then maybe Philly doesn’t make the deal and bet on the upside of the much younger Maxey.

Instead of an All-Star point guard, the target should be an All-Star level wing. Jaylen Brown is one name recently mentioned in rumors and I’ve even written an article about what that trade would look like.

However, he’s not the only wing who could be on the market at the trade deadline. The New Orleans Pelicans are horrendous right now and Brandon Ingram could be on the market as a result. Keldon Johnson of the San Antonio Spurs and Jerami Grant of the Detroit Pistons could be other wings that the Sixers could turn their attention to instead of point guards.

The Philadelphia 76ers can’t turn down an elite point guard for Ben Simmons. However, if that type of player isn’t available, then the Sixers should turn their attention to All-Star wings instead playmakers of the same talent level.