Five Potential Trade Destinations for Ben Simmons

The Philadelphia 76ers have once again been eliminated from the playoffs early. The road to the end of the season was ugly for Philadelphia, resulting in Ben Simmons needing surgery and the firing of head coach Brett Brown. Despite Simmons’ injury the 76ers could look to blow everything up once again, and he could be a victim of a Philadelphia rebuild. 

Simmons, 24, was selected by the 76ers with the first overall pick in the 2016 NBA draft. Hailing from Melbourne, Victoria, Simmons played one year for LSU before deciding to go pro. In four-seasons, Simmons is a two-time all-star and made the 2020 All-Defensive First Team and the All-NBA Third Team. Simmons has averaged 16.4 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 8 assists throughout his career. 

The Philadelphia 76ers could be looking towards a potential rebuild and a future without Ben Simmons. If the organization plans to move Simmons, which teams could be in on the versatile player?

Cleveland Cavaliers

The Cleveland Cavaliers are in rebuilding mode and are in the need of star power. Forward Kevin Love is getting older and has a large contract. The Cavs could be looking to move on from Love and acquire Simmons. If Cleveland lands Simmons, expect him to play power forward as the team will likely have one of Collin Sexton or Darius Garland after the trade. The Cavaliers would likely have to trade Love and one of their two young guards in exchange.

Draft picks will more than likely also be included in a deal. If Cleveland can trade for Simmons and sign a solid veteran, the Cavaliers could make a push for a playoff spot. 

Oklahoma City Thunder

Point guard Chris Paul sent out a video on Instagram thanking the Thunder organization. Oklahoma City might need to trade their star point guard and sending him to Philadelphia for Ben Simmons might be a perfect destination.

If Paul and Simmons switch teams draft picks may not be included. Both teams could find a way to trade a couple of players straight up, instead of losing future draft assets. Al Horford and Josh Richardson could also be a part in a blockbuster trade. 

Golden State Warriors

Golden State is rumored to be looking to draft a wing player in this upcoming draft. However, the Warriors could send the pick to a team looking to give up a star.

Ben Simmons could be the addition that gets the Warriors back to the top. If the Warriors offer a deal to Philadelphia, the 2nd overall pick will likely be involved. Andrew Wiggins or Draymond Green could be brought up in trade talks. The Golden State Warriors have some young pieces that could be sent to Philadelphia in return for Simmons.

New York Knicks

The New York Knicks are in need of a star on their team and they could build around someone like Ben Simmons. Point guard Dennis Smith Jr. could be a key player in return for Simmons. If the 76ers plan to move on from Al Horford, Julius Randle might be a player going to Philadelphia in exchange.

Bobby Portis and even Mitchell Robinson could also be in trade talks. The Knicks have high picks to send to the 76ers in return. If the Knicks can make this trade happen, the organization might start to trend upwards again. 

Phoenix Suns

The Suns have been rumored, for a while now, to be looking for a star to pair up with, guard, Devin Booker. Simmons might be a valuable option to play point guard or power forward in Phoenix. If the Suns attempt to make this trade happen expect Ricky Rubio to be involved. Other players that might be included in trade talks between the two teams are Frank Kaminsky, Mikal Bridges, and Cameron Johnson.

The Suns still have high picks that could be sent to the Philadelphia 76ers for Simmons. Out of all the teams that might have an eye on the 76ers’ all-star, the Phoenix Suns probably have the hardest chance to acquire him.