Philadelphia 76ers Receive: F Paul George
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: G/F Ben Simmons, F Matisse Thybulle, 2022 First Round Pick, 2024 First Round Pick
This blockbuster NBA trade scenario features two big-name superstars. Paul George would be going to the Philadelphia 76ers while Ben Simmons would be going back to Los Angeles as part of the LA Clippers. With the recent drop in value around Simmons, the Sixers would have to give up more.
The Clippers now find themselves in a genuinely precarious situation. Kawhi Leonard returned in free agency but is expected to miss most of next season after undergoing surgery to repair a partially torn ACL.
There were a lot of assets that were moved in order to get Paul George to Los Angeles. The Clippers could still embrace Leonard as the franchise cornerstone. However, moving George to help recoup some of those assets and to get younger could be a more sustainable option.
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Ben Simmons undoubtedly has his flaws as a player, but he also is quite a bit younger than George and Leonard. With the durability concerns that come with Leonard, it’s now a genuine concern regarding whether the Clippers can actually have enough availability between their two stars to pull off a championship run,
When considering the circumstances, Simmons would maintain the Clippers’ defensive versatility while actually adding to it with his size. Offensively, his passing and ability to make plays when getting downhill would be welcomed.
Let’s take a closer look and see how this NBA trade scenario centered around Paul George would impact both the LA Clippers and Philadelphia 76ers.