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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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(Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
(Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images) /

1. Los Angeles Clippers

Like the Sixers, the Los Angeles Clippers are recovering from their recent playoff exit, and hence planning ahead to the offseason and beyond. While they bowed out in the first round, their six-game series with the defending champion Golden State Warriors demonstrated the value of several players on their roster.

For the Sixers: One of those to feature was rookie Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. As the No. 11 overall pick in 2018, SGA started in 73 of his 82 games, and gradually started to demonstrate over the course of the season his significant upside. A 6’6″ point guard with a 6’11” wingspan, Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 14.4 points and 4.4 assists per game while shooting at a 52.0 percent clip in the final 19 games of the season.

He then transferred this into his first postseason, in particular Game 4, when he posted 25 points in 31 minutes and shot 3-for-5 from long range.

The other ingredient in the deal is veteran guard Lou Williams. Seemingly getting better with age, Williams has established himself as one of the premier bench scorers in the league, and is the favorite to take home his third Sixth Man of the Year award.

Averaging 20.0 points per game in the regular season, Williams ramped up his game in the playoffs, with the highlight being his 36-point, 11-assist masterpiece as the Clippers overcame the Warriors 135-131 on the road in Game 2.

With two years and $16 million remaining on an extremely team-friendly contract, Williams could potentially more than offset the chance that J.J. Redick departs in free agency.

Here’s how the deal appears, which works out financially on the ESPN Trade Machine:

For the Clippers: Considering the acumen of the Clippers’ front office, trading for a player such as Simmons given his incredible upside makes a lot of sense. While in many senses Williams was vital to their success, he is 32 years old. While sacrificing Williams, Gilgeous-Alexander and a future first round pick is a large sum, the potential on their return is simply too much to refuse.

Next. Re-drafting the historic 2009 NBA Draft. dark

Of all the deals proposed, the Clippers’ deal gives the Sixers the best chance to compete as a contender next season while also stocking up with future assets for the long haul.