Ben Simmons’ trade value remains high
Out of all the storylines stemming from the postseason, the most important and most intriguing lies in the “City of Brotherly Love,” as the Philadelphia 76ers have a problem. They finished as the best team in the Eastern Conference during the regular season and are true championship contenders, but something needs to be done about Ben Simmons.
He completely disappeared when the 76ers needed him the most against the Atlanta Hawks in the Eastern Conference Semifinals and his performances were quite embarrassing for a 3x All-Star and All-NBA performer.
In 12 total playoff games this year, Ben Simmons averaged 11.9 points, 7.9 rebounds, 8.8 assists and shot 62.1% from the floor, which is not terrible, but he barely looked to be aggressive on offense against Atlanta and only shot 34.2% from the free-throw line in the playoffs on 73 total attempts.
These numbers for a 7-footer that is as athletic as Ben Simmons is inexcusable, which is why there are trade rumors going in and out of Philly surrounding Simmons. In fact, according to Jason Dumars of KRON4 News, the Philadelphia 76ers reportedly turned down a trade offer from the Indiana Pacers that included Malcolm Brogdon and a first-round pick.
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Philadelphia has remained loyal to Simmons and have defended him to this point in the offseason, but they are definitely interested in hearing out offers for the versatile 7-footer. If they get a good deal, then they will likely be interested in trading Ben Simmons, but if what was said before is true in regards to the Pacers trade proposal, then Simmons’ value still remains very high.
The Sixers are a championship favorite in the Eastern Conference right now and they are on the verge of being something special, but they are going to decide quickly on whether or not Ben Simmons can be a part of their championship future.
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His struggles did not solely lose them their series against the Atlanta Hawks, but it played a huge part in their demise. On offense with Simmons on the court, the 76ers were playing 4 on 5 sometimes since he looked to get rid of the ball rather than score over smaller and not as strong defenders.
If Philly is to trade Ben Simmons though, they are going to need to receive a ton of value in return for him. Guys like Kyle Lowry, C.J. McCollum and Damian Lillard are viewed very highly by the 76ers front-office, so it will likely take a player of their caliber to pull off a trade for Simmons, a price not many teams around the league are willing to pay right now.
Ben Simmons still has a ton of potential to grow into the two-way star he was destined to be, especially since he is about to turn 25-years-old, but he is viewed as a project around the league right now and many teams will be unwilling to give up their most prized assets for him.
