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Yes, it was a disastrous end to the season for both Ben Simmons and the Philadelphia 76ers. The NBA playoffs had turned into a wide open race, providing the type of parity that hasn't been seen in years. It seemed to be the perfect opportunity for the 76ers to pounce on the opportunity. Instead, they coughed away a Game 7 at home to the Atlanta Hawks.
Ben Simmons was miserable offensively all series long and struggled horribly from the free throw line. He will be ridiculed, he will be the punch-line for many jokes and his name will be brought up all summer long. While some of this is fair and warranted, there's no doubt that Simmons' downfalls in the playoffs will be exaggerated and blown out of proportion.
The dose of reality shows a 24-year old all-star point guard who's one of the best defensive players in the league. The offense needs tons of work and maybe even then it never comes to fruition, but Simmons is still a really good player.
Here are two teams that should trade for Ben Simmons despite his playoff meltdown.
Oklahoma City Thunder
Thunder GM Sam Presti has acquired a million first round picks over the next handful of years. Truthfully, they have three in this draft and nine total first round selections over the next three seasons.
While Presti may just enjoy scooping up as many as possible with every intent to use them, why not send some of them to Philly in return for Ben Simmons.
Ben Simmons was the focal point of trade discussions earlier this year when the 76ers were trying to acquire James Harden. That trade value has sunk to all-time low levels and there isn't any shot Philly would see a return on investment to a player of Harden's level for Simmons now.
The Thunder have plenty of draft capital to flirt with and sure they just traded for Kemba Walker, but it's likely they will try to send him elsewhere this summer. Trading for Ben Simmons would give the Thunder a young all-star to help build around Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and some of their young draft selections that they are set to make.
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OKC has the cap space, has the assets to trade to the 76ers, so why not take a shot on Ben Simmons?
Chicago Bulls
When the Bulls traded for Nikola Vucevic at the NBA Trade Deadline it was a clear signal that they are going to invest heavily now to try and win around Zach LaVine.
The return pieces to Philly in a trade to acquire Ben Simmons would likely need some matching with the salary cap but it's very doable for Chicago.
Perhaps sending Lauri Markkanen, Colby White, Patrick Williams and a future first round pick could peak the interest for Philadelphia. For the Bulls, adding Simmons would further show their commitment to winning now with LaVine and Vucevic and give them another proven all-star to add to the mix. A three man core of Vucevic, LaVine and Simmons could do damage going forward in the Eastern Conference.
Ben Simmons needs a change of scenery and a fresh start. Chicago and Oklahoma City would provide that.
