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The talk might not be as loud as some expected, but NBA trade season is upon us. We are now about six weeks away from the February 10 deadline. This is typically the time of year when contenders try to push all-in while rebuilding teams stockpile assets for the future. One organization that has a big decision to make is the Philadelphia 76ers.
It goes without saying why the Sixers are a key team to watch from now until the trade deadline. Ben Simmons has still yet to suit up in a game and his return is nowhere in sight. Teams continue to inquire about the former no.1 pick, but Sixers general manager Daryl Morey remains patient.
The asking price for Simmons has stayed the same from when the saga began over the summer. Morey wants an All-Star caliber player to pair alongside Joel Embiid for the prime of his career. The Sixers still feel their championship window is open now and have no intentions of selling low on Simmons.
Some of the common names linked to Simmons include Damian Lillard, CJ McCollum, and De'Aaron Fox. Earlier this month, ESPN insider Bobby Marks threw a different player into the mix. He thinks the team should consider trading Simmons to the New Orleans Pelicans in exchange for Brandon Ingram.
A swap between these two would be slightly comical given that Ingram was the player selected after Simmons in the 2016 NBA Draft. While he fits the All-Star price tag Morey is seeking, Ingram's fit on the Sixers does raise some questions.
So far this season, Ingram is posting averages of 22.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 4.9 assists. He is also shooting slightly over 45% from the floor and 34.9% from deep on five attempts per game. From a contractual standpoint, if a deal like this were to happen, the Sixers would have Ingram for at least the next three seasons.
One positive is Ingram would give the Sixers someone on the perimeter who can create offense, but his fit alongside the team's other stars is questionable. While he can score from the outside, Ingram still does most of his damage in the mid-range and around the rim. Pairing him with Embiid could lead to the two constantly getting in each other's way.
Ingram's fit alongside Tobias Harris isn't exactly picture-perfect either. Both can play either forward position but are best suited at power forward. Sliding Harris back to his natural position allowed his game to take a step forward last year. Bringing in a player like Ingram could be problematic.
In terms of what the Sixers need to help raise their ceiling, Ingram is not the answer. He is a bright young talent who is just getting ready to enter his prime, but Morey would be better off going in a different direction.
