How This Trade Impacts Philadelphia 76ers
The Philadelphia 76ers were looking for monster packages in return for Ben Simmons. They wanted multiple picks, pick swaps, and young players in any trade for Simmons. Based on his production, or lack thereof, in the postseason, those were unreasonable asking prices.
Simmons has his flaws, which is why the 76ers weren’t going to get the grandfather offer they were looking for. They won’t come close to the package the Oklahoma City Thunder got for Paul George, but given the circumstances, this trade with the Indiana Pacers is a solid one.
In this hypothetical deal, Philadelphia is acquiring Caris LeVert, Malcolm Brogdon, and a 2022 first-round pick. LeVert has had a lengthy injury history, but when he is on the court, he is an excellent player.
He provides the 76ers with another capable playmaker and someone that can score the basketball. He could become a super sixth man for the team if they choose to leave Seth Curry and Danny Green in the starting five.
LATEST NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Pacers, 76ers Discuss Trade Involving Ben Simmons, Caris LeVert?
Brogdon is a perfect fit for the 76ers with his two-way play. He is a strong defender, giving Doc Rivers someone with some versatility on that end of the court. He can’t guard 1-5 like Simmons, but really how many players in the NBA can? Brogdon can certainly defend both backcourt spots and most wings in the NBA.
His offensive repertoire will help take this team to another level. He’s a strong playmaker but can also provide the scoring punch from the backcourt they were lacking. He Brogdon averaged a career-high 21.2 points per game last season. With less of the scoring load on his shoulders, he should return to the more efficient ways he had with the Milwaukee Bucks.
The 2022 first-round pick gives the 76ers some future flexibility as well. They retain all of their assets and add some more in the package from the Pacers. They could use that to bolster a trade package for a superstar who becomes frustrated with his current situation, such as Damian Lillard or Bradley Beal.
LATEST NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Pacers, 76ers Discuss Trade Involving Ben Simmons, Caris LeVert?
This is a good trade for the 76ers. They remain competitive this season, as the roster is deeper with the additions of LeVert and Brogdon. But, they also retain future flexibility to swing a blockbuster trade should the opportunity present itself.
