Philadelphia 76ers point guard Ben Simmons has been the subject of trade rumors since the start of the 2021 offseason. After taking most of the blame for their second-round exit in the 2021 NBA Playoffs, multiple signs are pointing out that Simmons and the Sixers would be heading into an inevitable divorce this summer.
As of now, Simmons’ departure from the Sixers is no longer a matter of if, but when. Despite his shooting woes, several NBA teams have already expressed interest in trading for the former No. 1 pick.
Ben Simmons To Indiana Pacers
One of the dark-horse trade destinations for Simmons is the Indiana Pacers. In a recent article, Greg Patuto of NBA Analysis Network came up with a hypothetical trade idea that would allow the Pacers to acquire Simmons from the Sixers.
In the proposed trade scenario, the Pacers would be sending a package that includes Malcolm Brogdon, TJ Warren, a 2022 first-round pick, and a 2024 first-round pick to the Sixers in exchange for Simmons. If the trade would push through, Patuto believes it would help the Pacers and the Sixers in filling up the needs to improve on their roster.
Pacers Get A Young All-Star
Simmons would undeniably be an intriguing addition to the Pacers. His inability to knock down shots from beyond the arc is indeed a major concern, but he remains a solid two-way contributor. Simmons would give the Pacers a young All-Star who is a very reliable scorer, an incredible playmaker, rebounder, and lockdown defender.
Last season, Simmons averaged 14.3 points, 7.2 rebounds, 6.9 assists, and 1.6 assists while shooting 55.7 percent from the field, per ESPN. As of now, there’s no doubt that Simmons has a higher ceiling than anyone on the Pacers’ roster. If they could help him address his shooting woes, Simmons could be the legitimate superstar that would lead the Pacers back to title contention.
Sixers Add Two New Starters & Draft Assets
The proposed trade deal would also be worth exploring for the Sixers. By dumping Simmons to Indiana, the Sixers would be receiving two young starters in Brogdon and Warren and two future first-round picks.
Brogdon would immediately fill the hole left by Simmons in the Sixers’ backcourt, giving them a new point guard who can space the floor. Warren could cover the Sixers’ wing, providing them with a three-and-D player who can score anywhere on the court. A starting lineup featuring Brogdon, Seth Curry, Warren, Tobias Harris, and Joel Embiid would undoubtedly give the Sixers a better chance of reaching the NBA Finals and capturing the Larry O’Brien Trophy next year.
Why The Proposed Trade Is Highly Unlikely To Happen
The trade package that includes Brogdon, Warren, and two future first-round selections is undeniably an intriguing offer for Simmons. However, there’s a huge possibility for the Sixers to reject this type of proposal. The Sixers may be actively trading Simmons since the start of the 2021 offseason, but they aren’t moving him just for the sake of getting him out of the City of Brotherly Love.
In the potential deal involving their second-best player, the Sixers have made it clear to every potential suitor that they are eyeing to acquire another All-Star caliber talent that would complement Embiid.
