The Philadelphia 76ers are going to look a lot different during the 2021-22 NBA season than they did at the end of the 2020-21 season. That is because ‘The Process’ era is looking like it will be coming to an end this offseason.
It sounds as if it is a matter of when, not if, Ben Simmons is traded by the 76ers. He has reportedly cut off all communication with the organization and is ready to move on in his NBA career.
That is easier said than done. Daryl Morey and the 76ers’ front office are not just going to give Simmons away because he no longer wants to play for the organization. They are going to try getting the most value they can out of him, and rightfully so. But, their demands have been exorbitant thus far.
The Golden State Warriors, San Antonio Spurs and Toronto Raptors all declined offers from Philadelphia. The Warriors were asked for James Wiseman, Andrew Wiggins, both of their 2021 lottery picks and two future first-round picks. The Spurs were asked for four first-round picks, three pick swaps and a young player. Toronto was asked for Kyle Lowry, Fred VanVleet, OG Anunoby and the No. 4 pick in the 2021 NBA Draft.
READ MORE: Predictions for NBA Trade Rumors: Simmons, Lillard, Hield, Ingles, Siakam
The only way offers like that would ever be accepted is with force trades turned on in NBA 2K. No general manager will attach their name to a package like that for a player of Simmons’s caliber.
Simmons has the tools to be among the best players in the league, but he is not there right now. But, he will still garner a lot of trade chatter given his resume.
One team that would present an excellent landing spot for him is the Portland Trail Blazers. Here is what a trade could look like between the Portland Trail Blazers and Philadelphia 76ers.
