OVERREACTION BEN SIMMONS TRADES

UPSYDE SPORTS PRESENTS:

POSSIBLE TRADE DESTINATIONS FOR BEN SIMMONS:

For those that missed it, Ben Simmons has been atrocious during this most recent playoff series. A young Hawks team overpowered the 76ers and completely took Simmons out of the game. Simmons has the potential to be one of the best young superstars in the game, if he can get out of his own way. The "Trust the Process" Sixers probably need to shake things up, and he's their most moveable contract. While many gawked at Tobias Harris' contract, many completely overlooked how much they are paying Ben Simmons.

Simmons exited this Game 7 with the lowest free throw percentage in NBA History - not one of the records he wanted. He will now watch other fellow young players like Trae Young, Devin Booker, and Giannis Antetokounmpo lead their team to Conference Finals. Embiid is probably losing patience, so for the sake of the franchise, it might be best for these two parties to part ways. But who would want him and where should he go?

NEW YORK KNICKS:

Knicks: Ben Simmons
Sixers: Derrick Rose (S&T), Obi Toppin, 2021 1st Round (#19), 2021 1st Round via Dallas (#21)
Analysis: This is one of the weaker trade scenarios of this list, but it could be a good option for them. They get some young players to get them under the luxury tax, a couple of draft picks they could keep or flip on draft day, and a veteran point guard that excels in the playoffs in Derrick Rose via sign-and-trade. You could probably call this a buy-low opportunity, but unless something radically changes with Simmons, this could end up being what he's worth.

MIAMI HEAT:

Heat: Ben Simmons
Sixers: Goran Dragic, Duncan Robinson, 2024 1st Round (Top 5), 2026 1st Round (Lottery)
Analysis: Miami touts itself as the defense-first team. Simmons sort of fits this system well and I think the defensive combination of him and Butler could be formidable. This trade allows Miami to go several routes - they could run Simmons at point and permanently have Herro as the 2-guard - they could move Simmons to the 4 as a front-court pairing with Bam Adebayo, and have Herro run full-time point guard - depends on the situation. Philly gains an elite wing shooter and an upside veteran point guard that excels in the playoffs. This trade also allows the Sixers to sign Duncan Robinson long-term and gives them flexibility to interchange Thybulle and Robinson depending on if they need offense or defense. Robinson is also an underrated defender and is 6-7.

CHICAGO BULLS:

Bulls: Ben Simmons
Sixers: Tomas Satoransky, Lauri Markkanen (S&T), 2024 1st Round, 2026 1st Round
Analysis: Philly will likely want LaVine - who would be a phenomenal addition to this current Philly roster. I think Chicago would rather trade their other big asset, Markkanen. Unfortunately, they traded one of their more valuable assets at the deadline, their 2021 1st Round Pick, yet with how poorly the Bulls have been run, these picks could end up being excellent value picks for them in the future regardless. Markkanen needs a change of scenery and the 7-foot stretch 4 needs to be in a position to where he can get open shots. This trade would have Markkenen either in the sixth-man, Danilo Galliani type role, or they could move Tobias to the 3. The trade would allow Philly to remain a "large" team, and with Markkanen improving his outside shot to 40%, he should have a positive impact on the game. For the Bulls, they've needed a point guard for a while. Having a player that get get passes through to LaVine and Vucevic could be invaluable. If they need some additional 3's, they could start Coby White at the point and play Simmons at the 4. This trade is pretty balanced as long as Philly does not overvalue Simmons as the player he was a year ago.

DALLAS MAVERICKS:

Mavs: Ben Simmons
Sixers: Kristaps Porzingis
Analysis: This is definitely an overreaction, but both players have all-time low trade value after their abysmal playoff performances. The fit on both teams seems odd, but it's possible that both players just need a change of scenery. Doing this trade before Dallas hires a coach might be the best scenario for them. If they're going to make a move like that, they don't want to hire a coach and they make a big roster move without their consent. It makes more sense that if the team is ready to move on from Kristaps, to do it as soon as possible, so they can find the right coach to be able to balance Luka and Simmons. For Philly, they get an elite-upside power forward that has size, skill, and shooting ability. Should they be able to unlock Knicks All-Star Kristaps, they could end up being a trade winner. This is one of those trades where either both teams would win or both teams would lose and the fans of both teams will hate it, but also love it.

PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS:

Blazers: Ben Simmons
Sixers: CJ McCollum
Analysis: This is probably my favorite scenario. As far as fit, you would have to have Simmons as a point forward. The structure of the Blazers has Lillard being the primary ball-dominant player, but Simmons adds a defensive aspect to this team currently missing with McCollum in the backcourt. Between McCollum's injuries, the team's obvious push for Norman Powell, and the rapid development of Anfernee Simons, CJ could be replaced. For the Sixers this would be a huge win. McCollum has the skillset to run point and would be a fast paced, shoot-heavy backcourt with Curry. Embiid and Harris would have to play overtime on defense, but the team becomes more balanced with a more efficient point leading the team. This trade arguably improves both teams the most, but there might have to be some ancillary pieces involved in this trade, as it's hard to assess how both teams value their stars.

OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER:

Thunder: Ben Simmons
Sixers: Kemba Walker
Analysis: Kemba is a better fit for the Sixers. He's a better shot creator, floor spacer, and if he's healthy, can take over a game. The big question is how low is Ben Simmons' value? Boston had to give up a fringe lottery pick to move off of his contract, but don't doubt how persuasive Sam Presti can be. Simmons would be a solid fit if he can play the 4. Shai is the projected starting point guard and both forward positions are up for grabs. This would be an interesting fit, but with OKC just acquiring assets, maybe they seem him as a more valuable asset to try to flip at the deadline. Much like the Mavericks trade involving Porzingis, nobody likes this deal, regardless of success, everyone probably hates this deal, but at the end of the day, OKC getting a 24-year old player is probably more in their timeline than Kemba Walker.

HOUSTON ROCKETS:

Rockets: Ben Simmons, George Hill
Sixers: John Wall, 2021 1st Round (via Portland), 2021 1st Round (via Milwaukee)
Analysis: This is actually a very viable trade for both parties. Wall is an injury risk, but has played hard when healthy. Wall is still an elite passer, solid defender, and with guys like Embiid and Harris on the team, won't be tasked with taking such a heavy load. The Sixers get additional assets to either flip or build the roster around, and if Houston keeps their top-4 pick, they do this trade. The Rockets could essentially get Simmons, an elite wing player like Jalen Green, and a veteran point in George Hill during this draft. This is a very balanced trade and accelerates the Rockets' timeline by a couple of years without having to give up their more valuable picks. Simmons is used to Trust the Process teams, so he should fit right in.

- Adam Safianow - NBA Analyst - Upsyde Sports [Copyright 2021]

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

DALLAS SUMMER LEAGUE

UPSYDE SPORTS PRESENTS: DALLAS SUMMER LEAGUE PROSPECTS: Derrick Alston Jr - SF/PF - A solid G-League prospect that averaged close to 20 PPG and some potential as a stretch shooter from the 4-spot. He is an above average passer and a good free throw shooter. From the eye test he does not appear to be an explosive athlete but he's a hard finisher and is often relied on to defend multiple positions. He could be useful down the line, but I don't see him being able to get minutes on a competing team. Grade: C- Marcus Bingham Jr - C/PF - Outside of Hardy, he might be the crowned jewel of this group. He's a true 7-footer, came from a solid college program, and showed improvement every year at Michigan State. His defense is much further along than his offense, but his efficiency has improved over time and he's added a 3-ball to his game. Foul trouble will be a major concern, but I think he could be a bench big within a year or two. His block rate is outstanding and I think if h...
Read more
UPSYDE SPORTS PRESENTS: CAN THE PELICANS MAKE THE PLAYOFFS? This article comes in the midst of the Pelicans being on a 4-game win streak. The Kings which got hot, finally ended their streak. Nuggets, Grizzlies, and Rockets seems to be in a slump. I wouldn't say the door is open for them, but there's at least a window. What has propelled this team? A lot. Let's start with the obvious. Zion and Ingram have played very well. During the win streak, Zion has scored 23.8 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 5.8 APG, and 1.3 BPG. Ingram has averaged 25.5 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 4.8 APG, and 1.8 BPG. While these numbers don't jump off the page, what's interesting from both players is the increased amount of passing. Everyone on these team seems to be getting involved in the offense, nobody on this team is selfish, and it's just a group effort in every facet of the game. The next player that has done phenomenal has been Lonzo Ball. He's almost the forgotten Ball brother since his younger brother, La...
Read more
UPYSDE SPORTS PRESENTS: Addressing the Viability of a Kristaps Trade: I myself, have been very critical of Kristaps. Ranging from his health, finding him overrated as a shooter, not assertive enough on offense, and feeling that his defensive stats are empty. Obviously, I can see his upside, it's the name of my blog, but I feel like he plays out of position, is too thin, and his biggest strength (his size), is also likely going to be what limits his potential. Now, I gave him time. When the trade happened originally, I was pretty excited. He was coming off an injury, but had a really nice All-Star season in New York. Most Mavs fans, myself included, had somewhat soured on Dennis Smith Jr, and we saw what Luka is - a superstar. Wanting to get some wins in his rookie contract, I was receptive of the trade. Tank for the rest of the season and then the following year we get the two Euro sensations. Didn't quite work out that way. He did play very well in the bubble - helping us get ...
Read more