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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 Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

5. Brooklyn Nets

Having made their first postseason appearance since 2015, the Brooklyn Nets are without doubt one of the success stories of the season. However, the question now is: How will they take the next step?

With sufficient cap space, the Nets now have the room to sign at least one free agent to a maximum contract this summer. First, they may need to address how committed they are to the future of point guard D’Angelo Russell. Coming off his debut All-Star appearance, Russell put together by far his best season since being selected No. 2 overall by the Los Angeles Lakers in 2015.

However, with Spencer Dinwiddie already on the books as a terrific backup, the Nets may choose to utilize their funds elsewhere, which is where Simmons comes into the equation. While clearly not the shooter Russell is, the Nets’ run-and-gun style on offense would be a fantastic fit with Simmons, whose greatest strength by far is his ability to cause damage in the open floor.

The proposed deal, which works out financially on the ESPN Trade Machine, is as follows:

For the Sixers: Having overcome an incredibly scary leg injury last season, Caris LeVert returned to demonstrate the potential he exhibited over his first two seasons in the league. An extremely versatile wing with the ability to impact at both ends of the floor, LeVert particularly excelled in the postseason, averaging 21.0 points per game while shooting at a 49.3 percent clip from the field, including 46.2 percent from 3.

Conversely, while he struggled in the postseason, Joe Harris led league in 3-point accuracy during the regular season, converting at a 47.4 percent clip on 5.1 attempts per game. Like LeVert, Harris has one year remaining on his current deal, and at 27, still has plenty of years ahead of him.

With the impending free agency of key players, obtaining this duo certainly enhances the Sixers’ flexibility moving forward, while also maintaining their competitiveness among the contenders in the Eastern Conference.

For the Nets: The move simply provides the Nets a potential superstar, while also retaining cap space in avoiding paying Russell a hefty sum this summer.

In order for the trade to work out financially, Shabazz Napier and Jonathon Simmons are also included.