After the departure of the core of their 2004 championship squad, the Detroit Pistons has continually had trouble to consistently reach the NBA Playoffs. Big name free agents decide to sign with larger markets, while other moves they have executed have not materialized, like signing Josh Smith or Andre Drummond to huge deals. However in a rebuilding squad, they must still have individuals that have star potential in the next few years.
The Pistons were fortunate to draft Cade Cunningham with the number one overall selection in this year's draft, and he has massive upside to be the franchise cornerstone of Detroit. According to a report from Keith Pompey from the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Philadelphia 76ers are interested in a package centered around talented wing Jerami Grant for Ben Simmons. Pairing Simmons with Cunningham along with their young pieces is an intriguing roster for the Pistons.
Chance for Pistons to acquire a star
Even if Detroit continues to receive lottery picks in the next few years, it does not guarantee for them to have star player at the NBA level. Even with issues surrounding Simmons, he still has proven to be a dangerous threat on both ends of the floor. He has the floor general skills to unlock the potential of their young players, while he also possesses the relentlessness and awareness to defend the best player on the opposing side.
As Cunningham continues to develop as a budding star, Simmons could mentor him and complement his game, either as a primary ball handler or a power forward that constantly sets screens for him. With the failure of Detroit to attract stars to their city, this is a legitimate chance for them to revitalize Simmons' career and possibly give him the opportunity to prove that he could be a leader in his own franchise.
Versatility
In the current NBA generation, players have immensely grown in athleticism and talent thus making it more difficult to defend them as well. Simmons is equipped with the skill set and IQ that makes him one of the top defenders in the association. Majority of his career, he has been playing the point guard position, but head coach Dwane Casey could put him in various positions to continue being successful.
People tend to forget that Simmons excels at a variety of abilities because others just tend to remember his hesitation to attempt any sort of shot from behind the arc. For instance, Isiah Thomas expressed in a recent podcast on how talented Simmons is because he is a tremendous two-way player that could emulate the playing style of legendary Los Angeles Lakers point guard Magic Johnson. If Simmons is able to convert a few mid-range shots, it would open up the shaded lane more and open up opportunities for his teammates.
Rumored package is not too much
At 25 years old, Simmons has appeared in the All Star Game thrice already. He is clearly better than any piece rumored to be traded to the 76ers. Grant, Kelly Olynyk, and Killian Hayes or Saddiq Bey are highly unlikely to reach the peak of Simmons' career. Adding numerous draft picks changes the whole argument, but adding only one first round pick with these three pieces will be picture perfect for Detroit.
76ers President Daryl Morey is confident on the acquisition of Grant even if he has previously expressed his stubbornness of letting go of Simmons for nothing less than an excellent player as well. Grant was phenomenal early last season, thus making it likely for him to complement the 76ers front court with Joel Embiid and Tobias Harris.
With Simmons currently giving them nothing on the court, acquiring three terrific pieces along with a future pick is a respectable return for three-time All Star from LSU. The relationship of Simmons with the Philadelphia organization has been broken, and it seems insurmountable for them to rectify their disagreements. With this reason, the 76ers should just pull the trigger rather than waiting for Simmons' value to decrease.
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