How This Trade Impacts Toronto Raptors
The Toronto Raptors have a big hole to fill with the departure of Kyle Lowry. He is the most decorated player in the history of the franchise and it will take a lot to replace him. That void would be filled in every aspect by Ben Simmons.
The star power they are losing, Simmons could provide. The defensive intensity would be replaced by Simmons as well. He is arguably the most versatile defender in the NBA with his ability to defend every position on the court and do it well.
The only thing Simmons wouldn’t be able to replicate is the offensive punch Lowry provided, but Toronto has plenty of that remaining. Pascal Siakam, Fred VanVleet, and Gary Trent Jr. would provide more than enough scoring punch to buoy Simmons’s shortcomings in that area.
The package to acquire Simmons isn’t too steep when you break it down. The Raptors would be banking on their ceiling being higher with him being inserted into the lineup for OG Anunoby. Goran Dragic is someone the team was looking to move eventually and Malachi Flynn’s inclusion shouldn’t hold up the Raptors.
LATEST NBA NEWS & RUMORS: 3 Dark-Horse Trade Suitors For Ben Simmons Before Season
Their backcourt would be replenished with Jaden Springer coming along with Simmons. They would have more than enough playmakers to compensate for the loss of their point guard depth.
The 2022 unprotected first-round pick would be tough to part with, but the organization would have to feel good about the direction they were heading with Simmons being added to the core.
LATEST NBA NEWS & RUMORS: 3 Dark-Horse Trade Suitors For Ben Simmons Before Season
A playoff spot at the very least should be on the horizon and if things gel together, Toronto could be right back in the title picture with a core of Simmons, VanVleet, Siakam, Scottie Barnes, and Trent.
