5 teams that should trade for Ben Simmons this offseason

3. Oklahoma City Thunder

No team has been more successful at trades than the Oklahoma City Thunder in recent years. Thanks to GM Sam Presti and others, the team has potentially nine first-round picks in the next three drafts. Given how much capital they have, it might be worth putting some of those selections together in a deal for Ben Simmons.

Simmons’ career is still in its early stages, as he is only 24-years-old. The Thunder might see enough in him to mortgage a few of their first-round picks for the star player as part of their rebuild. Oklahoma is pretty much out of the public eye, which could help Simmons, who has dealt with the pressure of Philadelphia fans and media outlets since coming into the NBA.

The Thunder might be able to acquire Simmons for a reasonable price because of his trade value trending downward. What might’ve cost OKC four first-round picks in December might cost them just two now. OKC’s front office could end up getting a talented star at a premium if the Sixers are desperate to get rid of him.

Chris Paul was traded to the Thunder after many thought he was done, but he proved everyone wrong and revitalized his career in OKC. Maybe the team sees enough in Ben Simmons to try to replicate the success they had with CP3. The Thunder have the draft picks, the pieces, and the environment to make an appealing offer for the Sixers struggling star.