NBA Trades: The New York Knicks need to trade for Ben Simmons

The New York Knicks need to trade for Ben Simmons – The trade

Onto the ugly stuff then, and what it would take for the Knicks to get Simmons. His trade value has never been lower, but because of his sizeable contract, the money still has to work.

Kemba Walker is hardly who the 76ers would want to build a package around, but he makes the kind of money that would have to go in there and could run a second unit if required.

That would take some pressure of Tyrese Maxey, plus as we’ve seen recently, Walker isn’t as washed as we thought. If not Walker, then Alec Burks would have to go in there instead because of the size of his contract.

A better immediate option for the 76ers, although still an underwhelming one when you’re giving up Simmons, no matter his public perception right now.

This is why RJ Barrett would have to be in any NBA trades made for Simmons between the two clubs. He’s a player who still has some upside, but has never managed to get it all to come together while in New York for an extended period of time.

We’re onto something better now, but the salary is still the issue. The 76ers can go two ways with this. Some filler could be added to the deal and then waived immediately in addition to a couple of first-round draft picks. Even that might not get it over the line.

Instead, they might value more immediate help, as Embiid is entering his prime and there is no telling how long he can be at the top of his game because of his spotty injury record.

Obi Toppin and… gulp… Kevin Knox could then be added to the deal instead. Knox might have less of a path to being a contributing player than Barrett, but he’s not a lost cause either.

Toppin would hurt to lose because he has quickly come to encapsulate what the Knicks are about. He brings much-needed energy and toughness and is a tidy little player as well.

But to get Simmons you have to give up something of value, and that is it. Even then a first-round pick might still be required, but it would surely get it done.

This speaks volumes of the ability of the Knicks to add young talent to their roster. Deviating from that now, at a time when they’ve gotten their house in order, and for Simmons no less, is risky.

But he is not past his best, and of the players mentioned there, do you think any can ever become an All-Star? Really now. Take off the Knicks hat and be honest with us. Exactly. That is why the New York Knicks should pick up the phone today. It is the deal to make.