Toronto Raptors Receive: F Ben Simmons
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: G Fred VanVleet, F OG Anunoby, 2022 First-Round Pick, 2023 First-Round Pick Swap, 2024 First-Round Pick
In this deal, the Raptors get their new face of the franchise in Ben Simmons. He will take over as the team’s lead playmaker with Kyle Lowry moving on. However, the price to acquire Simmons is a steep one.
Without including Pascal Siakam, who signed an identical rookie max extension as Simmons, it will take multiple players to make the salary match. The 76ers don’t have a real use for Siakam, as Tobias Harris and Joel Embiid both operate from the same areas of the court that Siakam finds the most success.
Instead, the 76ers improve their depth overall in this deal. Fred VanVleet would be a strong replacement as the team’s starting point guard. Despite not having the positional versatility that Simmons has, VanVleet is a strong defender in his own right.
He is also a great fit offensively as the third scoring option behind Embiid and Harris, presenting an upgrade on Simmons in that regard. His playmaking is strong and his shooting is lightyears ahead of where Simmons currently is.
READ MORE: Predictions for NBA Trade Rumors: Simmons, Lillard, Hield, Ingles, Siakam
In OG Anunoby, the 76ers will be able to replace a lot of what they are losing defensively with Simmons leaving town. Anunoby is a burgeoning two-way star, as he has improved every season in the NBA. He is the prototypical wing player for the current NBA given his defensive ability and improving 3-point shot.
The two future first-round picks are the icing on top for Philadelphia. That will give them more ammunition to make another move, whether it is to upgrade another spot on the roster or as a sweetener to move off of someone such as Harris.
