Philadelphia 76ers: 5 teams that could trade for Ben Simmons

MIAMI, FLORIDA - MAY 13: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers in action against the Miami Heat during the first quarter at American Airlines Arena on May 13, 2021 in Miami, Florida, NBA Trades: 3 more trades to continue the Trail Blazers' roster overhaul. 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 Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

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Ben Simmons, Philadelphia 76ers Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images /

Teams that could trade for Ben Simmons: Portland Trail Blazers

The Portland Trail Blazers flamed out in the first round for the fourth time in five years, losing in six games to the Denver Nuggets despite Damian Lillard’s heroics. Currently, the only step to shake things up has been firing the head coach; if Portland wants to do more, it will likely need to trade one of their core pieces.

Moving CJ McCollum would be radical but ultimately likely necessary if the Trail Blazers want to compete for a title. The 6’3″ McCollum is a minus defender who plays alongside another minus defender in Lillard. That combination has doomed Portland and shoehorned them into trying (and failing) to surround them with plus defenders.

Proposed Trade: CJ McCollum, Nassir Little to 76ers; Ben Simmons to Trail Blazers

McCollum and Simmons make nearly the same money, and tossing in Nassir Little would give the 76ers an upside play at replacing Simmons in the rotation with another forward down the line. On the 76ers’ side, they would immediately have a perimeter creator with some verve, something they haven’t had since Jimmy Butler left. McCollum hit 40.2 percent of his 3-pointers this past year, and bringing him in could slide Seth Curry into a super-sub bench role while McCollum runs the point.

The Trail Blazers get an immediate defensive upgrade, one that actually looks to make a difference. Norman Powell can be re-signed to play the 2 with Simmons and Covington an elite defensive pairing on the wing. Jusuf Nurkic can be moved down the line for a stretchier big man if Zach Collins doesn’t grow into that role, and Simmons can play small-ball 5 with bench units. It has the potential to be a win-win for both sides if the two teams decide to make it happen.