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As of now, there is no bigger name on the NBA trade market than Ben Simmons. The three-time All-Star remains in a stalemate with the Philadelphia 76ers and a change of scenery remains the likely outcome. That being said, general manager Daryl Morey has kept his stance of wanting a high-caliber player in return for the former no. 1 pick.
Morey understands the Sixers' window to compete for a championship is right now. This is why he continues to hold onto Simmons, in the hopes a premier talent will become available. Joel Embiid is in the prime of his career and Morey is searching for a new running mate to help the All-Star center lead the Sixers to their first title since 1983.
Since the beginning of the Simmons saga, multiple teams have entered the fray to try and acquire the disgruntled playmaker. Among the group that has commonly popped up in reports are the San Antonio Spurs. While they have an interesting piece to headline an offer, it does not meet Morey's standards.
Recently, Ian Begley of SNY reported the Sixers have minimal interest in a deal with the Spurs headlined by point guard Dejounte Murray.
“The Sixers earlier in the season showed little interest in a package that was centered around young San Antonio Spurs, including Dejounte Murray. So that provides some context into the kind of player Philadelphia wants in return for Simmons.”
A package centered around Murray is one Morey should consider giving more thought to. He might not be an All-Star yet, but he has the potential to be and checks a lot of boxes for the Sixers.
For starters, Murray fits the Sixers' timeline. At 25 years old, he too is getting ready to enter his prime years. Based on the progression he's shown so far in his career, Murray's apex should line up nicely with Embiid's peak.
Another reason Morey should give another look is Murray is in the midst of a breakout year with the Spurs. He is currently averaging career-highs in points (18.1), rebounds (8.5), assists (8.6), and steals (2.0) per game. On top of that, he has made strides with his outside shot, something that was a weak point in the early stages of his career. So far this season, he is shooting 34.7 percent from beyond the arc on four attempts a game.
Murray is providing similar production to Simmons, and at half the price. He is under contract for the next two seasons at an extremely team-friendly range. In 2022-23, Murray is due $16.5 million and then just $17.7 million in 2023-24. A cheaper price tag will give Morey more wiggle room to upgrade the Sixers roster in the margins.
There is no denying Simmons is a higher caliber of player right now. But Murray has upside and can almost seamlessly replace what Simmons brings to the table. He brings rebounding, facilitation, and high-level perimeter defense. All areas the Sixers need to make upgrades in.
Depending on how things look at the trade deadline, if a Simmons and Murray swap is on the table, Morey should give it strong consideration.
