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

By Josh Cornelissen

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)
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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Andrew Wiggins, Golden State Warriors
Ben Simmons, Philadelphia 76ers Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images /

Teams that could trade for Ben Simmons: Golden State Warriors

The Golden State Warriors are mentioned when any NBA player hits the market, and especially stars. From signing Andre Iguodala when they didn’t have cap space to adding Kevin Durant to a 73-win team, the Warriors are no strangers to making big moves. With multiple assets in their hands, they are a possibility to trade with anyone.

With Klay Thompson returning next season this team is setting its aim again on a title. With Thompson and Stephen Curry in the backcourt, this team can better support a player in the rotation who can’t space the floor, as they have supported Draymond Green in the past. If the Warriors think they know how to maximize a player of that general archetype, they could swing a trade for Ben Simmons and pair him with Green as a hyper-athletic 4-5.

Proposed trade: Andrew Wiggins, 2021 first-round pick (14th), Nico Mannion to 76ers; Ben Simmons to Warriors

Sending out Wiggins is painful for both sides, as the optics look terrible for the 76ers and the Warriors relied upon his defense and second shot creation a season ago. Yet Wiggins played arguably his best season ever a year ago for the Warriors, playing great defenses and fitting into his role while competing hard. The 76ers could have a more dynamic shot creator replace Simmons who can space the floor and not give up too much on defense.

The first-round pick could be used to bring in another prospect, either an older plug-and-play option such as Corey Kispert or Chris Duarte, or an upside play on a scorer such as James Bouknight or Cam Thomas. Nico Mannion, if signed to a guaranteed deal, can be a throw-in to give the 76ers another lottery ticket in their backcourt.

The Warriors could hope the return of Thompson and the rise of Jordan Poole make up for the loss of Wiggins’ shot creation. Steph and Klay in space with Simmons running a fast break is a truly terrible thing for opponents to deal with, and both he and Green can get the ball to those shooters in the perfect position to hit a shot. Defensively he and Green would be a menace flying around the court, and only the largest opponents would give them trouble.

This is the least likely of the five trades simply because both teams might say no. The 76ers would get killed by the public for dumping Simmons for “Andrew Wiggins” and the Warriors might be hamstringing themselves with two players in Green and Simmons who absolutely don’t shoot. It’s interesting to consider, however, as the Warriors will at least discuss it.