When the Milwaukee Bucks blew a double-digit lead in Game 5 of their Conference Semi-Finals matchup with the Brooklyn Nets, everyone thought there was no way that would be outdone in these NBA playoffs. However, the Philadelphia 76ers tried to up the ante — and succeeded — by losing hold of a once 26-point lead over the Atlanta Hawks in Game 5. Amidst all of the chaos on social media, Ben Simmons was catching a ton of flack for his performance in a pivotal game in the series.
Upon Doc Rivers and Daryl Morey’s arrivals in Philadelphia, both of them were intrigued by the idea of giving the duo of Simmons and Joel Embiid one more year to prove they can win together. While Embiid failed to make a shot in the second half of the 76ers’ collapse in Game 4 versus the Hawks, he mustered up 37 points in a mind-boggling loss in Game 5.
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As for Simmons, he recorded only eight points, taking just four shots in the process. He also has become a liability on the free-throw line, making only four of his 14 free-throw attempts in Game 5.
With Philadelphia’s chances of advancing to the Conference Finals now hanging in the balance, there are murmurs of Simmons possibly being traded this offseason. This is an idea that has continually been discussed in recent seasons due to his inability to improve as a shooter, which has made him a predictable player on the offensive end.
Morey has likely seen enough from Simmons to know that it’s tough to envision Philadelphia having a chance to win a title with him as one of their key contributors.
In the event that the 76ers fall short of their goal of a deep playoff push with Simmons and Embiid leading the charge, these are a few intriguing trade destinations for Simmons.
