Hoops Habit
Fansided

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) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 6
Next
(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

2. Los Angeles Lakers

Considering the presence of LeBron James, the Lakers may seem to be an odd fit. However, aside from the Klutch Sports connection, the ability to work alongside James on a daily basis — and in the process, potentially unearth a more diverse skill-set — is a mighty attraction for a franchise such as the Los Angeles Lakers.

For the Lakers: In essence, obtaining Simmons would enable a smooth transition of passing the franchise over to Simmons once James decides to call it a day. Simmons’ elite defensive instincts would fit in perfectly under newly installed head coach Frank Vogel.

Therefore, the parameters of a deal would need to look something like this:

For the Sixers: The deal has a number of advantages for the Sixers. While he’s miles away from being an accomplished shooter, at least Lonzo Ball has shown the willingness to shoot from the perimeter. The No. 2 overall pick from the 2017 NBA Draft has hit at least three 3-pointers in 29 of his 99 career games thus far. While his 31.5 percent clip on 5.3 attempts per game over his first two seasons is far from ideal, it’s light years ahead off where Simmons is now, or ever will be.

In order to match salaries and for the deal to operate under the ESPN Trade Machine, the Sixers will also send Jonah Bolden and Jonathon Simmons to the Lakers.

https://twitter.com/NBATV/status/1090498674247888896?s=20

In Brandon Ingram, the Sixers are gaining a legitimate frontcourt scorer who possesses an incredible amount of upside. Still just 21, Ingram averaged 18.3 points and 5.1 rebounds a night in his 51 games. His season ended prematurely due to surgery to address the Deep Vein Thrombosis sustained in his right arm. While clearly a serious issue, Ingram’s recovery from a blood clot is expected to be complete come training camp.

In addition, the Sixers would also receive the Lakers’ No. 4 overall pick in this year’s draft, clearly a very enticing piece.

Furthermore, given the Sixers’ precarious placing this summer with free age key, Ingram’s addition can certainly help offset a potential loss such as Tobias Harris, given his rookie-scale salary next season.

Moving forward, a nucleus of Embiid, Ball and Ingram, in addition to whoever they bring back via free agency, certainly has a tremendous amount of potential down the line.