Sixers: Ranking the most likely Ben Simmons trade destinations
Ben Simmons trade talks are heating up, with ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reporting that Philadelphia is “aggressively trying to assemble two- and three-team deal structures” to land a top-25 player. This is the first significant update on the Sixers trade front in a while.
On Dec. 15, 84 percent of NBA players will be eligible for trade, as opposed to under 70 percent at the current moment. With more players soon to hit the market, several teams on the brink of panic mode, and the Sixers undoubtedly feeling some pressure to win more games, it appears we could be approaching the end of the Simmons saga.
A while back, I ranked the five most likely Simmons trade destinations. With a quarter season of basketball to dissect and new information on the table, it’s time to revisit the possible Simmons landing spots. Which teams make real sense, and which could be little more than leverage tools for the Sixers’ front office.
Sixers: Ranking the most likely Ben Simmons trade destinations
. . . THE PRETENDERS
14. Golden State Warriors
We haven’t really heard about Golden State since the summer. The ship has sailed, methinks. Golden State is red-hot and there’s no package that, on the surface, makes sense for Philadelphia. Andrew Wiggins and rookies won’t cut it, and the Warriors aren’t moving Klay Thompson — no matter the injury concerns.
13. Cleveland Cavaliers
The Collin Sexton hypotheticals feel more far-fetched than ever in the wake of his season-ending meniscus tear. Even then, Sexton was never the type (or caliber) of player Daryl Morey is likely to target. Cleveland has a promising young core and a loaded frontcourt, making Simmons an awkward fit on paper. He would take the ball out of Darius Garland’s hands and then be asked to coexist with Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley.
12. Boston Celtics
I’m sorry guys, but the Jaylen Brown thing isn’t happening. It’s Boston. The Celtics. They’re not putting Ben Simmons in green and white. Refuse to believe it.
11. Brooklyn Nets
Kyrie Irving is a great basketball player. There’s no way this swap ends well for Philadelphia. None. Don’t tempt fate.