5 teams that should trade for Ben Simmons this offseason

1. Portland Trail Blazers

The Sixers and Portland Trail Blazers both have the same issue heading into the offseason — what can they do to improve their lineup so they can become not just a playoff contender but a championship contender? Both teams need a dramatic change on their rosters cwhich ould lead them to each other.

What’s even better is that both teams can benefit if they reached a deal to trade Ben Simmons.

According to The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor, a Simmons/C.J. McCollum trade is the trade many NBA executives believe is reasonable. More pieces might be added, but that is the foundation of the deal. Looking at it on paper, this trade will be helpful to both teams, as they receive something they desperately need.

For Portland, acquiring Simmons gives them a playmaker to pair with Damian Lillard. Simmons can handle many of the ball-handling responsibilities while Lillard is off the floor or even allow him some off-ball looks when they are on the floor together. In addition, his defensive prowess will be a welcomed sight for a Blazers team that is sub-par at stopping anyone. They lose pure scoring in McCollum but gain a playmaker and defensive anchor in Simmons.

In Philadelphia’s case, McCollum gives them the shooting and scoring they desperately need at the guard spot. They also have more space on the floor for Embiid to operate and the in-between game for others. In addition, McCollum’s ability to get his own shot will give the Sixers a designated scorer late in games or when the team is struggling to make a bucket. He is a defensive liability, but his offensive expertise makes up for it.

Everything seems like a perfect fit in the Blazers/Sixers trade scenario. Both teams could acquire a necessary piece that could change their playoff fortunes. If Ben Simmons is available in trade talks, the Blazers should be one of the first teams to pick up the phone.