The Ben Simmons Saga: Where Will He End Up?
Philadelphia 76ers point guard Ben Simmons wants out of Philadelphia. This ongoing drama began last season in January.
It all started when Simmons was mentioned in a trade proposal for James Harden. However, this did not go through and Harden was traded to the Brooklyn Nets. Nonetheless these trade rumors resonated with Simmons as he struggled in the postseason.
Later in the offseason, Simmons’ agent discussed with the Sixers' front office how he wants a trade. On the other hand, these talks ceased and fans assumed the point guard would be on the team for the upcoming season.
Right before training camp, Simmons demanded a trade and claimed he will not report to training camp - devastating fans throughout the city. On top of this, he continues to miss camp and the entire preseason - where he was fined over $200,000 for each game.
Now more recently, Simmons has returned to the team. This did not stop him from getting kicked out of practice and suspended for a game.
Simmons has burned his relationship with the Sixers, but the team needs to get valuable assets and a hefty salary back to benefit in a trade. With the details of the saga fresh in your mind, there are a few places this point guard diva could end up:
Portland Trail Blazers
The Trail Blazers would heavily benefit from Simmons’ defense, however Damian Lillard would be removed from any trade talks because of his value to Portland.
The biggest gain here for Philadelphia would be CJ McCollum, who has consistently scored points every game. McCollum is under contract through the 2023-24 season.
Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavaliers could potentially trade away Kevin Love and Collin Sexton, along with future draft picks in exchange for Simmons.
This is lopsided because of the player Simmons is and the decline in the player Love once was. Meanwhile Sexton is a competitor but a restricted free agent.
This could potentially boost Philadelphia’s roster, but Sexton has some big shoes to fill.
Toronto Raptors
The Raptors could be a fit for Simmons.
Pascal Siakam would be traded out, but Philadelphia would need a star shooter like OG Anunoby and a considerable number of draft picks to make up for the loss.
Indiana Pacers
The perfect trade would be Malcom Brogdon switching places with Ben Simmons. However, Brogdon recently signed a contract extension preventing him from being traded.
Nonetheless, the Pacers have other players earning between $10 and $22 million that would make up for Simmons’ leave. Domantas Sabonis and Caris LeVert would be suitable for Philadelphia.
Minnesota Timberwolves
The Timberwolves could benefit from Simmons’ intensity of play, but they may not have the assets the Sixers need in replacement.
D’Angelo Russell would be the meat of the trade. There are other numerous unrestricted free agents Philadelphia could gain from Simmons leaving for Minnesota.
Meghan Strange is a freshman majoring in journalism. To contact her, email her at mgs5649@psu.edu.
