The 11 Biggest mistakes in 76ers' history (and what they should've done instead)

1. Keeping Ben Simmons over Jimmy Butler

The 76ers could have kept both players in the 2019 offseason. They drafted Simmons first overall in 2016 and helped him blossom into a star. He was only 22 years old and nowhere near his prime. Philadelphia traded for Butler in Nov. 2018 after he forced his way out of Minnesota. The Sixers were an elite team, but how long could they hold it together?

Ramona Shelburne reported the franchise felt like it had to choose between them. Both are non-shooters that need the ball in their hands to be at their best. Joel Embiid has to get touches, and Philly had to prioritize their building blocks.

They gave Simmons a max contract and let Butler leave for Miami in a sign-and-trade. It seemed like a wise move at the time but quickly turned south.

The 76ers should have traded Simmons and maxed out Jimmy

Jimmy Bucket led the Heat to the NBA Finals twice in four years. He has missed time each season, but considerably less than Simmons.

The Sixers got two strong years from the 6’10 point forward, but fans would love to forget his playoff meltdown in 2021. Simmons has never been the same and was traded to Brooklyn after a lengthy holdout. He played just 57 games in two seasons with the Nets and many are questioning his status in the league beyond the 2024-25 season.

The Philadelphia 76ers have made plenty of mistakes, but none bigger than this. Keeping Jimmy Butler would have put them in title contention every year, but the franchise went for the younger homegrown option. It has not worked, and the Sixers cannot afford another move like this or it could mean the end of Embiid in the City of Brotherly Love.