9. Phoenix Suns
To be clear, there isn’t really any reason at all why the Phoenix Suns should be interested in Simmons. They have three All-Star level players and a well-balanced roster. They are also the top team in the West. If they do any trade it should be one on the margin, not a big-time deal.
Obviously, the Philadelphia 76ers would love to get ahold of one of the stars on the Suns. However, it’s unlikely any trade involving Simmons and the Suns won’t happen this season. While the mechanics of the trade below could work for this season, it’s more than likely not to occur until the offseason and a major postseason collapses by Phoenix.
Despite Chris Paul being in his mid-30s, he’s still the point guard, and if somehow the Suns decide to shop him, Simmons alone won’t be enough for the elite point guard. giving up a pick or two would have to happen.
Having Paul on the roster would force Maxey into a sixth man role, but more importantly he could finally get Embiid to be a weapon in the pick-and-roll. Paul has made the careers of big men like Tyson Chandler, DeAndre Jordan, and now Deandre Ayton. To be clear, this is very unlikely to happen, but if Phoenix wants Simmons, trading Paul is the most likely candidate to be dealt with.