The Ben Simmons saga doesn’t seem to be going away. Training camp is right around the corner, and it seems that Simmons is determined to get a fresh start with a different team. Bridges have been burned, and it would likely be best to go ahead and make the move. This would allow Philadelphia and Simmons to move on, and have a full training camp with their respective teams. So, here are three trade scenarios from Last Word on Sports that could finally end the Ben Simmons Saga.
Three Trades to End the Ben Simmons Saga
Simmons to the Charlotte Hornets
Philadelphia receives:
- Gordon Hayward(19.6 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 4.1 APG, 41.5 3P%)
- P.J. Washington (12.9 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 2.5 APG, 38.6 3P%)
- Draft considerations (a 1st round pick, or a pick swap)
Charlotte receives:
- Ben Simmons (14.3 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 6.9 APG)
Why this Trade Works for Philly
With Hayward, the Sixers are getting a 31-year-old veteran, who is still in his prime. Philadelphia is trying to win NOW, and Hayward can help them win NOW. Hayward may not be an all-star, but he is close. He is the type of player that can help put a good team over the top. With Washington, the Sixers are getting a 23-year-old fringe starter, who seems to be a solid player that will be in the league for a long time. This would give the Sixers a core six of Joel Embiid, Tobias Harris, Gordon Hayward, Seth Curry, Danny Green, and P.J. Washington. That is a competitive team built to win now, and with Washington, and potentially a draft pick or pick swap, more help for the future.
Why this Trade Works for Charlotte
Let’s face it, the Hornets don’t attract many big-time free agents. Also, they routinely draft at the back end of the lottery. So, the opportunity to get a 25-year-old, three-time all-star, is a no-brainer. While I really like Hayward, his age doesn’t fit the Hornets timeline. They are not ready to contend for a title (playoffs, maybe, but, not a title). It makes sense to get a player that is younger and fits their timeline. This would give the Hornets a young core of Simmons, LaMelo Ball, Terry Rozier, Miles Bridges, and Kelly Oubre. Not to mention two rookies, with what appears to be high ceilings (James Bouknight and Kai Jones). That would be one of the most entertaining teams in the league, and a team that the basketball-crazy fans of the Carolinas would really grow to love; and possibly a legit contender in the future.
Simmons to the Toronto Raptors
Philadelphia receives:
- Draymond Green from GSW (7.0 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 8.9 APG)
- Goran Dragic from TOR (13.4 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 4.4 APG)
- Moses Moody from GSW (Rookie)
Golden State receives:
- Pascal Siakam (21.4 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 4.5 APG)
Toronto receives:
- Ben Simmons
- Salary fillers from Philadelphia
Why this trade works for Philly
Philadelphia will be getting Green, who is a proven veteran with championship experience. He would bring a winning mentality to a team that hasn’t yet learned how to win. Green is an unselfish offensive player and a great defender. Also, Dragic would be a true PG to replace Simmons, and he could handle the primary ball-handling duties. With Green and Dragic, the Sixers would be adding two tremendous ball handlers/facilitators. This would give the Sixers a core of Embiid, Harris, Draymond Green, Dragic, Danny Green, and Seth Curry. Plus, adding rookie Moses Moody sweetens the deal, as he has tremendous upside for the future. This is a team that can compete for a title.
Why this trade works for Golden State
First, GSW would be getting a 27-year-old all-star approaching his prime. Siakam is 6’9”, and can guard multiple positions. He would be a great fit alongside Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins, Kevon Looney, Otto Porter, Jordan Poole, veteran Andre Iguodala, and youngsters James Wiseman and Jonathan Kuminga. That would give GSW a title contender.
Secondly, it would be a chance for GSW to rid themselves of Draymond Green. Sure, I know he has been great and was a vital part of their championship runs. But, regardless of what he and Kevin Durant have said, I believe Green’s tirade DID play a role in the Warriors losing Kevin Durant. In addition, Green also went on to blame coach Steve Kerr and GM Bob Myers for the breakup, saying the coach and GM “f—– it up.” If I am the coach or GM, I am ready to move on from someone that disrespectful. Although I would be excited to have a Moses Moody, I am willing to give him up, if it means getting Green out of Golden State. He ran off arguably the best player in the NBA and then blamed it on his bosses. So, good riddance.
Why this trade works for Toronto
The Raptors would be getting Simmons, who is three years younger than Siakam. And, Simmons would be excited and rejuvenated to play in a place like Toronto. Simmons has said he wants a fresh start and wants to be the face of his new team. With the Raptors, he could be the face of the entire country. Simmons would give the Raptors a young core of Simmons, Fred Vanvleet, OG Anunoby, Gary Trent Jr., Chris Boucher, and rookie Scottie Barnes. This is a team that could contend for the playoffs, and be a contender in the near future.
Simmons to Toronto – Siakam to Philadelphia.
This is just a two-team trade – a straight swap. The salaries work. Both players get fresh starts. Siakam joins a championship contender in Philly. Simmons becomes the face of the franchise in Toronto – and thus, has an entire country to pull for him. Both teams get better. Let’s finally end the Ben Simmons saga, and move on.
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