The Hypothetical Trade
76ers Receive: Damian Lillard
Trail Blazers Receive: Ben Simmons, Tyrese Maxey, Matisse Thybulle, 2021 First-Round Pick, 2023 First-Round Pick
Should the 76ers look to make a blockbuster trade for Lillard, they are going to need to pony up a big offer. Simmons is obviously the starter piece and the centerpiece of the deal heading to the Trail Blazers. Adding two young players like Maxey and Thybulle would also be a must, although Philadelphia could likely keep one of them by adding in another first-round pick or piece.
Lillard would be worth the cost for the 76ers in this trade. Joel Embiid and Lillard would form one of the best superstar duos in the league. It could be the move that puts Philadelphia in the NBA Finals.
On the other side of the trade, the Trail Blazers would much prefer to keep Lillard in town. However, if he wants a trade, being able to get Simmons, Thybulle, Maxey, and two first-round picks could be the most lucrative offer they receive. They could build around CJ McCollum and Simmons, who would be an intriguing match in the back-court.
All of that being said, let’s take a closer look at this trade and why it would make sense for both the 76ers and Trail Blazers to pull the trigger on it.
