The Philadelphia 76ers-Ben Simmons saga has yet to end. With the 2021-22 NBA season just around the corner, will the 76ers be able to get a trade they want? Will Simmons ultimately get his wish of playing for a California team?

According to ESPN NBA insider Brian Windhorst, a new small-market team that hasn't been linked to Simmons has made an offer. Windhorst didn't name the team as they have yet to go public. Given that there are only a few remaining small-market teams that have not been mentioned alongside the Australian, we can guess who this mystery team is.

Ben Simmons trade update

The following small-market teams have been linked to Ben Simmons for pretty much the entire offseason: Minnesota Timberwolves, Toronto Raptors, Cleveland Cavaliers, Indiana Pacers, San Antonio Spurs. Outside of this list, there seems to be one team who can both arrange a package for Simmons and will also benefit from him. That team is none other than the New Orleans Pelicans.

The 76ers made it clear that they don't want to give up Simmons for peanuts. Simmons, despite his lower stock value, is still an All-Star in this league. Daryl Morey and his front office crew want an All-Star in exchange for an All-Star. It's that plain and simple. As such, if the Pelicans want their offer to be entertained at the least, then it should include either Zion Williamson or Brandon Ingram. Between the two All-Stars, sending Ingram is the best button to push.

At face value, trading Ingram away doesn't make sense for the Pelicans. After all, they inked the forward to a five-year, $158 million contract in 2020. This is a clear sign that Ingram is the new face of the franchise. Any roster or coaching staff adjustment the Pelicans will make will be in service of Ingram. However, the Pelicans (if they really are the mystery team), probably envisioned the benefits they will reap from a Simmons-Williamson duo.

At this point in his career, Williamson is the type of player who needs a playmaker by his side. The young gun has no problem bullying his defenders in the high or low-post. His leaping ability and strength also enable him to snag offensive rebounds and put the ball back into the basket. However, his lack of a reliable jumper creates restrictions not just for him but also for his entire squad.

A playmaker will solve this lingering weakness in Williamson's game. Simply put, Williamson will not just be limited to post-ups or second-chance points. He'll also be involved in a lot of motion offenses which will end up in alley-oops. This new dynamic will also spill over to other parts of the team's offense. Interestingly, the Pelicans actually had a playmaker in Lonzo Ball. It was just unfortunate that the team was not willing to pay Ball his worth.

Donning the Pelicans jersey has probably never crossed Simmons' mind at all. However, there's really nothing he can control at this point. The worst-case scenario for him would be to continue donning the 76ers jersey after all that has happened. Playing for whatever team that really wants him is the best choice.

And the Pelicans aren't the worst team at all. Williamson is a generational talent surrounded by some talented young guns. Ben Simmons, given his inherent knowledge of the game, should know more than anyone that a partnership with Williamson would wreak havoc.