Houston Rockets: 3 ways to best use No. 2 overall pick in 2021 NBA Draft

Plan C: Houston Rockets should trade No. 2 pick for Ben Simmons

It seems inevitable that Ben Simmons has played his last game with the Philadelphia 76ers after his performance in the playoff loss to the Atlanta Hawks. The Rockets tried to get Simmons in a Harden deal but the 76ers didn’t want to give him up. The value for Simmons has tanked but trading the No. 2 pick for the former No. 1 overall pick who is still a great defender and passer despite his shooting deficiencies could make sense if the organization doesn’t want to develop a young talent and suffer through a 60-loss season.

Other veterans they may want to inquire about include Damian Lillard and Bradley Beal but the price for both would be so much more than Simmons and require a price the Rockets would need to increase beyond the No. 2 pick. Basically, don’t count on the Rockets moving the No. 2 pick for one of those guards, but Simmons could be the best option in the trade market.