How This Trade Impacts Philadelphia 76ers
Things aren’t going to get any easier for the Philadelphia 76ers when it comes to Ben Simmons’s trade talks. The longer they wait, the less attractive the trade packages may become.
This hypothetical offer from the Houston Rockets isn’t the worst trade package they will receive, but it likely isn’t the best, either. It lacks that impact piece that will help keep the 76ers among the contending teams right now. But, there are some positives to it when broken down.
Kevin Porter Jr. was electric for the Rockets once he broke into their lineup following a trade from the Cleveland Cavaliers. He is an explosive scorer and showed that he can be a lead facilitator. But, he needs to work on his efficiency to take his game to the next level.
Jae’Sean Tate had a nice rookie season with the Rockets as well. He averaged 11.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.2 steals, and 0.5 blocks as a do-it-all wing. The Ohio State product would provide good depth on the wing for Philadelphia as another defensive-minded player.
LATEST NBA NEWS: Everything To Know About Latest Ben Simmons NBA Trade Rumors
D.J. Augustin and Eric Gordon would be two good acquisitions for the 76ers were they keep Simmons. They are both good shooters that would provide an offensive punch from the perimeter, something Philadelphia is lacking. Augustin could handle some of the playmaking duties missing with Simmons’s departure, while Gordon could slide into the second unit as a go-to scorer off the bench.
The 2022 first-round pick is arguably the best asset in this package. It would give Philadelphia a potential golden ticket in trade negotiations similar to how the Golden State Warriors have the Minnesota Timberwolves pick in the 2021 NBA Draft.
LATEST NBA NEWS: Everything To Know About Latest Ben Simmons NBA Trade Rumors
Houston could easily be in contention for a top pick in the 2022 NBA Draft even with Simmons on the roster. The pick swap in 2023 could yield similar results, especially with how inexperienced the Rockets roster currently is.
While it would seem unlikely that the 76ers would accept this trade package, that unprotected pick could sway their decision knowing they could have a trade chip big enough to land another All-Star caliber player from a team that may be entering a rebuild.
