hoopsferro (DR) / @sixers (DR)
After months and months of protesting and making it known his desire to leave Pennsylvania, Ben Simmons is still a Sixer. But as the trade deadline approaches, things could accelerate. Indeed, a 9-player trade between franchises under reconstruction could save the Australian leader.
Time goes by, and Ben Simmons still does not appear to be on the start in Philadelphia, despite asking for a trade since last summer. It must be said that the Sixers are relatively well placed in the Eastern Conference, that Tyrese Maxey gives satisfaction to the lead, Daryl Morey is therefore in no hurry to take action in the case. But as the trade deadline approaches, offers could pour in and the situation may settle down.
Indeed, all the teams that have announced a reconstruction could agree to set up an XXL exchange. For example, the Kings and Pacers are clearly at the end of a cycle, and a roster wouldn’t necessarily hurt. As for the Pelicans, they are among the biggest disappointments of the season, which could spell the end of the adventure with Brandon Ingram. Here is a trade with these 4 franchises, which could totally revive the workforce concerned.
Ben Simmons at the Pacers, Brandon Ingram at Philadelphia
Pacers receive: Ben Simmons, Shake Milton et Jahmi’us Ramsey
Pelicans receive: De’Aaron Fox and Justin Holiday
Sixers receive: Brandon Ingram et Naji Marshall
Kings receive: Domantas Sabonis et Caris LeVert
Here’s a trade that could satisfy all the teams involved, starting with the Sixers. If he disappoints since his selection for the All-Star Game in 2020, Brandon Ingram could flourish in a squad as complete as that of Philadelphia. In a role of second option behind Joel Embiid, he could play his game without the slightest pressure and above all free Tobias Harris from the heavy role of lieutenant. When the Pelicans, they would finally recover a leader capable of supporting Zion Williamson in the person of De’Aaron Fox.
As for the Kings, they would now have a very talented interior, which would help Tyrese Haliburton in his development, and Caris LeVert would bring his offensive talent, which is sorely lacking in Northern California. As for the Pacers, they would reclaim a determined and vengeance All-Star point guard after his tense end with the Sixers. There would be only one or two draft picks missing to complete their package.
Such a substantial trade won’t be easy to mount in real life, but Sixers leaders are going to have to rack their brains to find a place to fall for the leader in the next weeks. The candidates are numerous, the talent is present, you might as well take advantage of it.
