THE FRONTRUNNERS
When the Sixers selected Ben Simmons 1st overall in 2016, they knew he was going to be a developmental project. Unfortunately, the 76ers should start looking at trade destinations for former LSU Tiger. While Simmons was known for his shooting woes coming into the league, those issues still haven’t been fixed. Simmons has hit just four three-pointers his entire career and is last in playoff free-throw percentage. These weaknesses, combined with another second-round exit, has lead the Sixers to the cusp of dealing Simmons.
Golden State Warriors
Golden State will not need Simmons to play point guard given they already have Stephen Curry. Simmons won’t even play in the backcourt, but will be impactful as a forward or even a small ball center. I believe Simmons will mesh well with the Warriors’s style of play and the deadly lineup featuring Curry, Klay, Simmons, and Draymond.
Trade Package: Kelly Oubre, James Wiseman, and first round pick
Los Angeles Lakers
Lebron is the master of trades. He lured the likes of Anthony Davis to LA and Kevin Love to Cleveland. What’s to say that he can’t get Ben in LA? Ben could help Bron and Davis reach another title, but the Lakers don’t possess many tradeable assets. Kyle Kuzma had his worst career season with lows in minutes and points. Montrez Harrell is a free agent, but the Lakers do have picks, and I think the Sixers would trade Ben for at least 4 first-rounders.
Trade Package: Hard to pinpoint
Miami Heat
The Heat need to procure another star player to take them to the top. Jimmy Butler and Bam can’t do it alone. In fact, Ben would play a more off-ball role. The Heat already has a playmaker in Butler and good shooters. Ben is a great rebounder and would bring the most help as a power forward.
Trade Package: Tyler Herro, Kelly Onlynx, and two first-rounders
