5 teams that should trade for Ben Simmons this offseason
With the Philadelphia 76ers potentially looking to move Ben Simmons this offseason, which teams should trade for the All-Star forward?
Things have reached a boiling point for Ben Simmons and the Philadelphia 76ers. After doing virtually nothing offensively in a Game 7 defeat to the Atlanta Hawks, it’s time for the team to decide if Simmons can be the player they need him to be to win a championship. As a point-forward, the LSU alum is a great facilitator, slasher and defender but if defenses can abandon him in huge moments, he’s a liability.
The lack of and range in his’ game has compromised the Sixers’ roster. With dominating big like Embiid, Simmons’ playstyle clogs up the court. Not to mention his struggles at the free-throw line make him a problem down the stretch of games. It seems like the Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid experiment has failed after multiple attempts to find the right combination.
Simmons’ offensive shortcomings, paired with his awful outings in the second round of the playoffs, one that crushed NBA bettors, have the Sixers considering moving their point forward. In the scenario they do, which teams have the right situation and rosters to acquire the All-Star wingman?
5. The New York Knicks should trade for Ben Simmons
The Knicks have set themselves up for a big offseason if they play their cards right. They’ve changed their identity from the laughing stock of the NBA to legit contenders in the association. So if there’s any team that could help Ben Simmons change (or even revive) his career, it would be the Knicks. If New York were to trade for the 6-foot-10 wing player, it would make a lot of sense.
Despite his inability to shoot, Simmons is still a talented passer, averaging 6.9 assists per game. Moving the ball was one of the Knicks’ weak points, ranking 29th in the NBA with 24.1 assists per game, per NBA.com. There is a clear need for additional offensive creators in the Big Apple, and Simmons could be the perfect remedy for that. Pair his playmaking with Julius Randle’s improved decision-making, and now New York has players who can get others involved down low and at the top of the key.
The Knicks showed that they are exceptional on defense, and acquiring Simmons will only add to their stout unit. His ability to defend multiple positions makes him a headache for coaches and players daily, which New York can utilize. Adding Simmons to a Tom Thibedeau-coached squad will only enhance his defensive skills.
New York could take advantage of the plummeting trade value for Simmons and get him for a reasonable price. They have the shooting around him, so the floor is open enough for him to drive, cut, and set up others. If they can trade for Ben Simmons using their wealth of extra draft picks and keep their core of Randle, R.J. Barrett, Obi Toppin and Derrick Rose, the Knicks should consider making the move this offseason.