Why This Trade Makes Perfect Sense For Both Teams
Let’s start this off by looking at the trade from the 76ers’ perspective.
What has Philadelphia been missing over the last couple of years come postseason time? They have been missing a dynamic guard who can score at a high level, close games, knock down threes, and create open looks consistently for teammates. Ben Simmons is a talented player, but his struggles in those areas were on full display once again this year in the playoff series against the Atlanta Hawks.
Simmons was unable to make an impact on the offensive end of the court. Atlanta was able to sag off of him and limit his ability to get to the rim, which forced a ton of pressure on Joel Embiid. If the 76ers want to make an NBA Finals run, they have to get a player who can score from the perimeter, which will also help open up the floor for Embiid.
It doesn’t get much better than Damian Lillard when you need a threat from the three-point line and a guy who can close games down the stretch. Bringing “Dame Time” to the 76ers would be a big-time fix for Philadelphia.
For the Trail Blazers, this trade is all about trying to maximize value for Lillard. They don’t want to trade him, but the way they have handled things in recent years could force their hand. If they do have to trade him, this is a package that would have to be of interest.
Even though the struggles that Simmons has had have been well documented, he would provide Portland with a slashing ability that they don’t currently have. He is also a very good defender.
CJ McCollum would be the focal point of the Trail Blazers’ offense in the event of this trade. He would be their go-to scorer, while Simmons would be able to focus on creating for teammates and getting to the rim. In addition to Simmons, the Trail Blazers would be getting two young and talented guards in Tyrese Maxey and Matisse Thybulle.
Both young guards would be able to come in and play an immediate role. Portland has needed more depth over the last couple of years. They could also look to flip either Maxey or Thybulle for another pick or player.
Should this deal be on the table, both the 76ers and Trail Blazers should seriously consider it. The deal would give Philadelphia the superstar scoring guard that they need to play alongside Embiid and Portland would be revamping their roster while keeping an elite scorer in McCollum. It makes sense and would likely end up being a win-win scenario despite the Trail Blazers not wanting to lose the face of their franchise.
