Ben Simmons has been harshly criticized by not just Philadelphia 76ers fans, but also basketball fans in general, who pointed out his lack of shooting. This was greatly emphasized during the Eastern Conference Playoffs, in which the Sixers lost to the Atlanta Hawks in the second round and Simmons missed the majority of much-needed baskets to secure the Sixers’ spot in the Eastern Conference Finals. The Free Agency Market is right around the corner and there are some teams that are said to be interested in acquiring Simmons and helping him find his shooting touch.
The Portland Trail Blazers are in the same predicament with their star point guard Damian Lillard, however, Lillard has been known to be a potent scorer, especially in clutch time. Should the Sixers trade Simmons to Portland, The Blazers will surely look to fix Simmons’ jump shot, while the Sixers will have a reliable scorer alongside Joel Embiid and Tobias Harris.
For this trade to happen, Philadelphia will have to listen to Portland’s demands. The Sixers may be viewed as a contender in the East, but right now, that’s not the case. Portland will be asking for more than just Simmons, they will be positioning themselves to competing with the top tier teams of the league.
If not Lillard, then Philadelphia will have to think of trading Simmons for CJ McCollum. Like Lillard, McCollum is also a proven scorer. Much like the previous potential trade scenario, Portland will have more of a leverage over Philadelphia, and will likely request for other players along with Simmons, or even a few draft picks.
Another team that has the same point guard issues are the Toronto Raptors. Kyle Lowry has been with the Raptors since 2012 and was instrumental in helping them win their first championship in 2019. A trade with their Atlantic Division rivals will definitely be one of the more interesting stories that could happen in the Free Agency Market.
For Lowry, a native of Philadelphia, it would mean a chance to play for his hometown, while adding the much-needed championship experience that the Sixers are looking for during their process. The Raptors will have to put much emphasis on not only Pascal Siakam as the face of the franchise, but also committing to the task of getting the help Simmons need on the offensive end.
While on the subject of trading with the Atlantic Division, the New York Knicks have tons of cap space and much to brag about despite their shortened playoff run. A possibility of Simmons ending up in the Big Apple is farfetched, but considering that the Knicks have a young core of Julius Randle, RJ Barrett, and Kevin Knox, adding another star could help boost the Knicks.
Should Derrick Rose remain in New York, he will more than likely to mentor Simmons in being a tenacious player on offense, and to adhere to coach Tom Thibodeau’s system. An improved Ben Simmons in New York will be the story that propels the Knicks to notoriety and exposure.
The Minnesota Timberwolves has an all-star in Karl Anthony-Towns that has been languishing with a team that only made the playoffs back in 2018 and managed to play through the month of May since 2004. The need for an all-star has never been greater, especially with the development and rise of Anthony Edwards. Bringing Simmons to Minnesota could do just that.
Minnesota already looks like an offensive team with the combination of Towns and Edwards, but working with Simmons and bringing his offense to the same level as the two players will be a project. The good news is that the Timberwolves are a young team that’s growing and learning, so that should help Simmons find himself in becoming a better player.
Heading further west with another young team in need of an all-star to help propel them, the Sacramento Kings also have their eyes set on acquiring Simmons. Unlike the scenario with Portland and Philadelphia, the Kings are willing to work out a deal to acquire Simmons and listen to any needs from Philadelphia.
Playing in Sacramento will be beneficial for Simmons, as they are a small market team with developing players like De’Aaron Fox and Tyrese Halliburton. Simmons’ offensive game will improve without having the pressure of a city known for being the underdog constantly in his ear. The Kings will benefit from having Simmons on their court and improving Sacramento altogether.
The Free Agency Market starts August 2nd at midnight and there will be some teams looking to acquire Simmons and remold him. However, it will all depend on what deals Philadelphia will jump for.