Ben Simmons' time with the Philadelphia 76ers seems to be coming to an end. After all, the Australian playmaker has reportedly told the Sixers himself that he no longer has any desire to stay with the team and wants to be traded. In fact, he is not expected to report to training camp as the team looks for a suitable deal to move him.
For what it's worth, the Simmons trade rumors have swirled all offseason following the Sixers' disappointing playoff exit. The 25-year-old guard struggled in the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Atlanta Hawks, averaging 9.9 points per game along with 6.3 rebounds and 8.6 assists. Throughout the series, Simmons played timidly offensively, which was detrimental to the Sixers.
With that said, several fans and experts alike believe it's time for the Sixers and Simmons to move on for the benefit of both sides.
While Philly will look to send Simmons away, it will be hard to find the right trade. The Sixers surely want to remain contenders, but it will be difficult to get a star in return. Considering that, here are the three best Ben Simmons trade for the Sixers after the ultimatum.
3. Warriors trade Andrew Wiggins, Moses Moody, Jonathan Kuminga, and 2 future first round picks to Sixers
The Golden State Warriors have expressed some interest in Simmons, and it could come to fruition. Simmons prefers to be traded to a California team, and the Warriors have the assets to pursue him. This package would give the Sixers great young talent that could grow with star Joel Embiid.
Wiggins would be the most productive player right away, as he is an established player. Last season, he averaged 18.6 points per game along with 4.9 rebounds, all while shooting at an efficient 38 percent from behind the arc. Wiggins could certainly come in and be a solid wing for the Sixers.
Although the Warriors just drafted Moody and Kuminga, they could flip them in a deal for Simmons. They are both promising prospects that could help the Sixers' bench unit.
Last season for Arkansas, Moody averaged 16.8 points per game along with 5.8 rebounds. He could be a great bench guard for the Sixers, increasing the teams' depth.
Kuminga would also have an impact on the Sixers. Last season in the G-League, he averaged 15.8 points per game along with 7.2 rebounds. His offensive efficiency could be improved, but he is a well-rounded player overall. The 18-year-old could certainly add another dynamic to Philly's offense and defense.
2. Kings trade Buddy Hield, Marvin Bagley III, and 2 first round picks for Ben Simmons
Another offer from a California team could be from the Sacramento Kings. They are a team that has been interested in Simmons, and they have some pieces to make it work.
Although this trade may seem underwhelming, it gives the Sixers an elite three-point shooter and a young player. Hield is one of the best shooters in the NBA, while Bagley needs a new situation.
Hield could thrive in the Sixers' offense. Last season, he averaged 16.6 points per game on 39.1 percent shooting from long distance. He could be a lethal threat next to Embiid due to his floor spacing.
Bagley, meanwhile, could become a productive player in a new situation. He has played solid throughout his career but has not lived up to being drafted as the second overall pick in 2018. Last season, MB3 averaged 14.1 points per game along with 7.4 rebounds.
1. Trail Blazers, Sixers swap Ben Simmons, CJ McCollum
The most logical trade for the Sixers is to get CJ McCollum.
McCollum is a great guard that can score at will. The Portland Trail Blazers are trying to keep Damian Lillard, but they still need to make changes to the team. Simmons would be a defensive leader for the Trail Blazers, while also becoming a wing. Playing Simmons at wing or power forward could allow him to fit better in an offense.
As for the Sixers, McCollum would be a much-welcomed addition. Last season, he averaged 23.1 points per game along with 4.7 assists. He also shot 40.2 percent from three-point range on 8.9 attempts per game. This shows that he can shoot efficiently at a high volume.
This trade makes the most sense for both sides, and the Sixers need to make it happen.
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