The future of Ben Simmons is discussed a lot in recent days. His bankruptcy on the free-throw line, and more generally in attack, during the playoffs could push the Philadelphia Sixers to part with it five years after drafting him in first position. Well, that’s mostly the hot reaction.
Transfers of NBA stars are rare – even if they have increased in frequency in recent years – and difficult to set up. Already because the team which refurbished it hardly ever recovers a player of the same caliber. Suddenly, these exchanges are often done as part of a reconstruction of the franchise which loses its best element. By agreeing to take a smaller counterpart but with promising young players and / or picks.
Ben Simmons, Rich Paul and the Sixers already had a reunion
There, this is not the intention of the Sixers. And that already complicates the situation. Philly intends to continue to conquer the title even in the event of a trade from the Australian. Because Joel Embiid would still be on board, eager to assert himself at the top of the league. Or how to make an already delicate situation extreme.
As if that weren’t enough, Simmons isn’t quite a star like any other. A completely atypical profile: a tall and sturdy winger very comfortable with the ball in hand, with an excellent vision of the game and a great sense of passing. Perhaps the best defenseman in the league. But a difficulty in finding his exact position and especially a non-existent shot outside the racket.
His performances in the playoffs this year (and… the previous ones?) Do not do him honor but he remains a star. An incredible athlete with versatility and talent as well as untapped potential. But also a player and a mysterious man. Its market value is all the more difficult to assess. But we tried, as best we could, to present four transfers that could work out both parties.
Ben Simmons with Damian Lillard in Portland
The track that comes up the most on social networks. Yet not the most obvious. The Portland Trail Blazers are also coming out of these playoffs disappointed – with one off the road in the first round – and they are prone to change. Terry Stotts, who has coached for nine seasons, has been fired. The workforce could also be reshuffled.
Portland receives: Ben Simmons, George Hill.
Philadelphia receives: CJ McCollum, Robert Covington, first round draft, right to swap.
The Blazers would probably agree without giving too much thought (well yes, anyway). But is it really interesting for Philadelphia? The return of Robert Covington, a great friend of Embiid, is appreciable. An important player for a title contender. And CJ McCollum poses a real offensive threat with or without the ball thanks to his shot. Everything that Simmons isn’t.
Except that the back would duplicate Seth Curry. Neither of them is really a leader. Then McCollum may be stronger than Steph’s brother but is he strong enough to take the Sixers to the next level? We are very skeptical. Not sure that this transfer will allow the Pennsylvania franchise to beat the Brooklyn Nets for example.
Towards a “Big Three” in Chicago?
The Chicago Bulls decided they didn’t want to take the time to rebuild themselves indefinitely. They are aiming for the playoffs in the East and are seriously hoping to turn a corner. And for that, it’s better to have three All-Stars than two.
Chicago receives: Ben Simmons.
Philadelphia receives: Tomas Satoransky, Patrick Williams, two future picks (protected) in the first round.
Before everyone screams scandal, this exchange would mainly aim to free up payroll in Philly. The Bulls have room to absorb Simmons’ salary without sending big contracts in return. The idea would therefore be to ship the star elsewhere, which would then really be a sign that the Sixers no longer count on him at all, to sign other key elements (Kyle Lowry?) During the offseason.
The picks could potentially serve as a bargaining chip for other trades. Flexibility is a luxury and GM Daryl Morey knows it better than anyone.
Spurs’ new superstar
The San Antonio Spurs inevitably head for a rebuilding process of varying length. But they lack a star around which to build the future of the franchise. So why not Ben Simmons.
San Antonio receives: Ben Simmons.
Philadelphia receives: Dejounte Murray, Derrick White, a first round draft (semi-protected).
Well. The Sixers would change a strong defenseman who can’t shoot with another strong defenseman who can’t shoot (Dejounte Murray). Derrick White would still be a very interesting contribution. But not sure that it can really satisfy the management of Philly.
The OKC option, the… less worse?
The Oklahoma City Thunder has so many assets they can easily land any bid in the NBA.
Oklahoma City receives: Ben Simmons.
Philadelphia receives : Kemba Walker, two picks (protected).
The Thunder has just recovered a star who is not part of his project. What could be better than sending him against another major player, younger and therefore more highly rated, even if it means sacrificing some of his four hundred (at least) draft picks? OKC would inevitably be a winner, with a real founding stone for its project. Especially since the franchise has the particularity of developing these talents well. Ben Simmons would probably moan at the idea of going there but the staff in place could certainly help him to pass a course.
For Philadelphia, the trade might taste bitter, but Walker has the profile to help Embiid. He’s a much more effective second star at scoring than Simmons. The picks can help pass the pill. However, given the guy’s contract, isn’t it better to just take a step back and sign a player this season or the next?
Ben Simmons in… Philly
This is perhaps the most likely option in the end. That it remains with the Sixers, for lack of an interesting offer. It is really difficult to part with a young talent. Coaches will inevitably continue to believe that they can help him pass a course. It is the plan besides: to work with him. Boss his throws. Work on his shot and his mind. Because the best scenario is clearly the one where Simmons progresses and comes back stronger next year.
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