Pros and cons of trading for Ben Simmons
The hottest rumor has been regarding the Hawks pursuit of Philadelphia 76ers point forward Ben Simmons. It might seem odd to some. The last time we saw Simmons on the floor he was infamously passing up on a dunk and instead deferring to teammate Matisse Thybulle who preceded to blow the layup.
Much was made about the moment including by Simmons’ teammate, Joel Embiid. But the truth is that play came with over three minutes remaining and would simply have tied it.
Regardless, the fallout has Simmons wanting out but the 76ers are reluctant to acquiesce.
They’ve maintained a high asking price with the latest reports being they would rather hold onto Simmons with the idea of adding the Brooklyn Nets James Harden who has reportedly expressed interest in joining and playing alongside Embiid.
The Hawks reportedly balked at the idea of taking on Tobias Harris with Simmons. But the possibility remains they could find a third team to take him on just as any other team could.
Whether or not they want to include the ancillary pieces it would require to swing such a deal.
The proposal above embraces the weird and banks on reports that the 76ers are monitoring Bradley Beal’s situation with the Washington Wizards. Beal has also been linked to the Hawks, but Simmons would make for a much better fit and would seem to satisfy the 6ers intent on landing a player that would blow them away.
It also plays on Philly’s denial of reports they insisted on including Harris in any deal.
Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz also lists Collins as the ideal target for the Wizards who are closer to a rebuild than they want to believe despite Beal’s presence and insistence on remaining in D.C.
Washington could make out like bandits with Collins, Johnson, and a slew of draft picks to convince them to finally part with Beal.
Philly gets their supreme scoring threat to play alongside Embiid.
Meanwhile, the Hawks get Simmons, their prized target, while moving off of another player whose dissatisfaction could lead to fissures in the foundation down the road. That is something they worked to avoid with the trade of Cam Reddish.
Simmons’ defense and passing ability would be tremendous compliments next to Young.
We’ve covered the faults in adding Simmons already from his fit next to the ball-dominant Young as well as having him on the floor at the same time as fellow non-shooter Clint Capela.
We have not discussed how his disposition changing is less likely than a change of scenery. It’s hard to imagine a world in which Simmons asserts himself offensively where Collins couldn’t even without bringing Young into the equation. And he hasn’t exactly responded well to being pushed or prodded either.