Sixers: Ranking the most likely Ben Simmons trade destinations

Sixers: Ranking the most likely Ben Simmons trade destinations

.     .     . THEY’RE ON THE RADAR

7. Detroit Pistons

The Sixers are not going to trade Ben Simmons for Jerami Grant. Any Simmons-to-Detroit framework will probably have to involve a third team. That said, the Pistons’ interest seems real, and there’s enough young talent on that roster to help facilitate a significant return. Simmons would make a fascinating cornerstone next to Cade Cunningham, and the Pistons are exactly signing three-time All-Stars in free agency.

6. Portland Trail Blazers

We know Damian Lillard wants to play with Simmons, and the Blazers are a mess right now. The ball doesn’t move enough offensively, the defense is in shambles, and Chauncey Billups is an old-head, not-focused-on-3s kind of coach. It’s a perfect fit! Unfortunately, CJ McCollum just ain’t gonna do it, so Portland would likely have to look elsewhere to muster the necessary trade capital. That is, unless Damian Lillard suddenly asks out, which — newsflash — won’t happen. At least, not soon enough.

5. Minnesota Timberwolves

The Timberwolves not-so-secretly desire Simmons, but the path to a deal is murky given Minnesota’s lack of star-level talent. D’Angelo Russell isn’t good enough to interest Philadelphia, and the Wolves probably hang up the phone as soon as Morey suggests Anthony Edwards. There’s no clearer example of “get a third team or no deal” than the Wolves.