Indiana Pacers Receive: G/F Ben Simmons

Philadelphia 76ers Receive: G Malcolm Brogdon, IND 2022 1st Round Pick (Unprotected)

Back in July, Jason Dumas of KRON4 News and Bleacher Report reported that the Indiana Pacers had offered up Malcolm Brogdon and a first-round pick for Ben Simmons. It was also said that this offer from Indiana was turned down by Daryl Morey and crew. 

Seeing as Simmons is still on their roster and the 76ers could be interested in moving him if the All-Star holds out into the regular season, revisiting this trade package may not be such a terrible idea on their end of things. Malcolm Brogdon put up All-Star-like numbers last year and has constantly improved through his first five seasons in the league. 

Not only is he a factor offensively, making the 76ers a better team around Joel Embiid, but Brogdon is also an above-average defender and can hold his own guarding multiple positions given his larger frame and length for a point guard in this league. 

As for the Pacers, they would be getting Ben Simmons for the deal they originally put together for him, appeasing them in their goals both now and moving forward.

LATEST NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Indiana Pacers Could Be “Sleeper” Team For Ben Simmons Trade

Pairing Ben Simmons with Domantas Sabonis and Myles Turner in Indiana creates a starting rotation with three near 7-footers and they would still have Caris LeVert and T.J. Warren for offensive production as well, when they return from their injuries. 

All-in-all, this is not a terrible trade package for either side, but it seems way too simple to actually work. Brogdon and one first-round pick is nowhere close to some of the other trade packages coming into Philadelphia for Simmons in terms of total long-term value, but at the same time, the 76ers are in a “win-now” situation and may favor a player like Brogdon over multiple young pieces for the future.