OKC Thunder: Analyzing a blockbuster trade for Ben Simmons
By Duncan Smith
Does this blockbuster Ben Simmons trade work for the Philadelphia 76ers?
The Sixers come away from this deal on shaky ground. Yes, they part ways with Ben Simmons and his free throw yips become somebody else’s problem. They also move Shake Milton’s team-friendly contract, but Milton isn’t likely going to end up being a major difference-maker.
Philadelphia parts ways with George Hill, and they get Eric Gordon, Kemba Walker and Kenrich Williams in the deal. Gordon’s best days are likely behind him, as are Walker’s unless an offseason of rehab and healing up gets his ailing knee back in shape.
Still, if he’s healthy, Walker could fit this roster better than Simmons ever did. In addition to this, the Sixers would pick up two first-round picks in this year’s draft, the 16th and 18th selections, as well as the 34th pick, and picks in the 20245 and 2025 NBA drafts.
If there is no deal forthcoming for a player like Damian Lillard or even CJ McCollum in exchange for Ben Simmons, this might be about the best package the Sixers will be able to come up with in the offseason.
This isn’t a perfect deal, but it’s not a bad one for the Philadelphia 76ers.