In the past months, rumors have been swirling non-stop around Philadelphia 76ers superstar Ben Simmons. After taking most of the blame for their failure to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals last season, there were speculations that Simmons and the Sixers would be heading into an inevitable divorce.
Simmons may remain an official member of the Sixers’ roster in the 2021-22 NBA season, but he’s one of the players that is highly expected to be moved before the 2022 NBA trade deadline.
Simmons To Charlotte Hornets
One of the dark-horse trade destinations for Simmons this season is the Charlotte Hornets. In a recent article, Greg Patuto of NBA Analysis Network talked about a hypothetical blockbuster trade idea that would enable the Hornets to acquire Simmons from the Sixers before the 2022 NBA trade deadline.
In the proposed trade scenario, the Hornets would be sending a package that includes Terry Rozier, Kelly Oubre Jr., James Bouknight, a 2024 first-round pick, a 2026 first-round pick, and the rights to swap first-round picks in 2023 to the Sixers in exchange for Simmons and Shake Milton.
A New Journey
Trading for Simmons would undeniably be a huge gamble for the Hornets. However, Patuto believes that the proposed trade deal would be beneficial for Simmons and the Hornets.
"Simmons is on the trading block because of his glaring inability to put the ball in the basket," Patuto wrote. "This is something that is likely not going to change in the near future. He would be another big name is Charlotte that can help defensively and handle the ball in the half-court. The Charlotte Hornets seem to have other weapons that can take some pressure off Simmons and this could be why they are looking to make the move."
Sixers Get Two Starters
Though the trade package doesn’t include an All-Star, it would still be a great return for the Sixers. By sending their disgruntled superstar to Charlotte, the Sixers would be acquiring two starting-caliber players in Terry Rozier and Kelly Oubre Jr. Rozier and Oubre Jr. could immediately join Joel Embiid, Tobias Harris, and Seth Curry in the starting lineup this season.
Rozier could replace Simmons as the team’s primary playmaker, while Oubre Jr. could serve as their starting small forward. Coach Doc Rivers could also use Oubre Jr. as his sixth man if he wants to keep Danny Green in the starting lineup.
Boost To Sixers' Offense
Rozier and Oubre Jr. would be intriguing acquisitions for the Sixers. Though they aren’t as good as Simmons, Rozier and Oubre Jr. are respectable defenders in the league. Aside from filling the hole left by Simmons on the defensive end of the floor, they would also further improve the Sixers’ offensive efficiency that currently ranks 1st in the league, scoring 112.5 points per 100 possessions, per ESPN.
With their ability to knock down shots from beyond the arc, Rozier and Oubre Jr. would mesh well with Embiid on the court.
]]>The Inquisitr
