Five Teams That Should Trade For Ben Simmons

After the 76ers were eliminated from the playoffs, Ben Simmons trade rumors started to circulate. Simmons said he wants to stay in Philadelphia, but coach Doc Rivers didn’t sound so optimistic, and many others in the NBA world think a move would be best for both sides. It will be an interesting offseason to say the least.

Here are 5 teams to consider making the trade for Simmons.

Portland Trail Blazers – The firing of Terry Stotts can’t be the only move the Trail Blazers make this offseason. Damian Lillard isn’t happy with the constant early playoff exists and this Portland roster simply isn’t good enough. CJ McCollum has been linked to a possible deal for Simmons and maybe moving Lillard off the ball would take the Trail Blazers to another level. Some betting sites out there have the Trail Blazers as the favorite to land Simmons if a trade is made.

Oklahoma City Thunder – Any time a player is in trade rumors, you have to consider the Thunder due to their ridiculous amount of draft capital. Simply put; the Thunder can get any trade done if they really wanted. OKC also recently got Kemba Walker and have no real use for him. Maybe a point guard swap with a pick or two involved? Simmons would certainly speed up the Thunder rebuild. Either way, the Thunder have to be taken seriously in discussions for any player on the block. 

Denver Nuggets – The Nuggets are a title contender with Nikola Jokić leading the way and boatloads of depth. The issue is Jamal Murray is coming off a torn ACL and he probably doesn’t return until February of next year at the earliest. Making a move for Simmons allows Murray to ease into his return and takes pressure off the rest of the roster from opening day. The Nuggets have many young players they could throw the 76ers way to get this deal done. It’s a move that would also immediately improve the Nuggets title odds.

Utah Jazz – Mike Conley isn’t getting any younger and he’s an unrestricted free agent this offseason. Throw in his injury history, and the Jazz need a reliable point guard whether Conley resigns or walks. Simmons takes a lot of the ball duties off of Donovan Mitchell and certainly improves what’s already a solid defensive club. Simmons and Rudy Gobert are two of the best defenders in the league, so pairing them together builds on what was the most successful team in the regular season. This move almost feels a little too good to be true.  

Golden State Warriors – The Warriors are in win now mode with Stephen Curry getting up there in age and Klay Thompson returning. They don’t have time to sit on draft picks and young players. Simmons fits the Warriors championship window and creates a seamless transition with all of the shooting around him. The Warriors also have two first round picks this year along with a couple of young pieces. Moving Andrew Wiggins and that contract would be the toughest part of this trade, but there’s a way to get this deal done. And boy, would it be fun.