2. Toronto Raptors
The package that the Philadelphia 76ers asked for in exchange for Ben Simmons from the Toronto Raptors was exorbitant. Philadelphia asked for Kyle Lowry in a sign-and-trade, Fred VanVleet, OG Anunoby and the No. 4 pick in the 2021 NBA Draft.
The Raptors declined that trade and with good reason. There is a shortlist of players in the NBA that is worth three starters and a No. 4 pick. Given the flaws he currently has offensively, Simmons is not part of that list.
However, if the Raptors were to re-engage the 76ers in trade talks, they do have the parts to make a competitive offer. Lowry is off the table as he is now a member of the Miami Heat, but there are other avenues the Raptors could go down.
Pascal Siakam and Simmons signed identical max rookie extensions. From a monetary standpoint, that would be the easiest trade as their salaries match perfectly, Simmons just signed for one year longer. Alas, Siakam would be an awkward fit alongside Tobias Harris and Joel Embiid.
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A package of VanVleet and Anunoby would fill out the 76ers’ rotation nicely. Add in a few future first-round picks and that is a strong package Toronto can put on the table. Simmons has star potential that VanVleet and Anunoby don’t possess, so the Toronto Raptors could push for this deal and to have a new face of the franchise with Lowry no longer in town.
