Ben Simmons’ days with the Sixers are clearly numbered, and word has it he wants to go to California. On that note, here’s a trade with the Indiana Pacers
The Sixers have clearly been waiting for one of the NBA’s top stars (Lillard/Beal) to shake loose. That seems to no longer be an option as Simmons and his agent Rich Paul are forcing his way out while other stars in the league are at least playing content.
Contrary to the opinion of some, the Sixers should not just give Simmons away, but Daryl Morey has to get out of the mindset of “winning” a Ben Simmons trade. The goal should purely be to put together a team that best compliments star Joel Embiid. One player already linked to the Sixers who could accomplish that is Indiana Pacers combo guard Malcolm Brogdon.
Simmons for Brogdon
While he’s not a star, Brogdon is a proven contributor in both the regular and postseason. He would become the lead guard in Philadelphia and give the Sixers the type of player the team has missed since Jrue Holiday. Health is a bit of a concern, but at the top of his game, Brogdon is a fringe All-Star.
The Sixers would also land Jeremy Lamb, who is a contributor on a tradeable contract. There would absolutely be a bit of a logjam at the wing, but that shouldn’t stop the Sixers from acquiring a two-way player like Lamb. The nine-year vet out of UConn shot over 40% from three last year, and around Joel Embiid, there can never be enough shooting.
Finally, the two unprotected (or, if they must be, lightly protected) first-round picks give the Sixers further ammunition to land another talented player. The team would have the contracts of Jeremy Lamb, Danny Green, and Seth Curry, who, in addition to their own value, could be attached to multiple first-round picks for another Brogdon-level player (or better), giving the Sixers a true contending team.
It’s not as sexy as a James Harden, Damian Lillard, or Bradley Beal trade, but it’s far from the worst haul the Sixers could get for Simmons. The clock is ticking, and if anything, Simmons’ value is only getting lower.
