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Philadelphia 76ers: 5 intriguing Ben Simmons trade propositions

By Simon Smith

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 11: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on against the Atlanta Hawks at the Wells Fargo Center on January 11, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Hawks defeated the 76ers 123-121. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 11: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on against the Atlanta Hawks at the Wells Fargo Center on January 11, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Hawks defeated the 76ers 123-121. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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(Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
(Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

4. Chicago Bulls

Coming off a 22-60 season, it’s safe to safe to say the Bulls require a major upgrade this summer. Part of the restoration of their roster commenced last season, when the Bulls traded forward Jabari Parker to the Washington Wizards in exchange for forward Otto Porter Jr.

For the Sixers: In 15 games with the Bulls, Porter thrived in averaging 17.8 points in 32.8 minutes per game while shooting a sizzling 48.8 percent from 3-point range.

Porter’s arrival and subsequent performance level, in addition to leading scorer Zach LaVine‘s proficiency from long range, means the following deal, which works out on the ESPN Trade Machine, is possible:

After missing the first 23 games of the season due to an elbow injury, second-year forward Lauri Markkanen nonetheless managed to further impress as one of the rising frontcourt players in the league.

A legitimate stretch-4, the 22-year-old Markkanen averaged 18.7 points and 9.1 rebounds in 32.3 minutes per game. At 7’0″, Markkanen’s ability to step beyond the 3-point line would make for an incredibly versatile duo alongside Embiid.

Shooting at a 36.1 percent clip on 6.3 attempts per game from long range, Markkanen nailed at least three triples in 24 of his 53 games, including five games of five triples. Additionally, the Sixers would be receiving point guard Kris Dunn. While he had a frustrating 2018-19 season, Dunn still averaged 11.3 points, 6.0 assists and 4.1 rebounds while dealing with an assortment of injuries.

Terrific at the defensive end of the floor, Dunn ranked 11th in there league with 3.1 deflections per game, while also averaging 1.5 steals per game. Having played in two losing situations in Minnesota and Chicago, the No. 5 overall pick in 2016 could greatly benefit from a change to a winning situation.

Furthermore, the Sixers would also receive the No. 7 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, a more than valuable asset come the offseason.

For the Bulls: Since the MVP days of Derrick Rose, the Bulls have been bereft of a genuine superstar. With Simmons, the Bulls have the chance to land such a star.