How This Trade Impacts Philadelphia
The Philadelphia 76ers think that Ben Simmons is worth a lot more than the other teams around the league. Teams are always going to value their own assets more than others may, but you have to find a happy medium in negotiations.
Yes, Zach LaVine may not be on the same level as someone such as Damian Lillard or Bradley Beal, but he would be one heck of an addition for the 76ers given how negotiations have gone thus far.
LaVine has some shortcomings defensively, but the 76ers are one of the best defensive teams in the NBA. They should have no issues overcoming his shortcomings and he might excel surrounded by better players on that end of the court and a different scheme.
What the 76ers would be acquiring LaVine for would be his offensive prowess. He has developed as well as you could hope for on that end of the court, resulting in his first All-Star game appearance last season.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: 76ers’ Ben Simmons Remains ‘Mentally Not Ready’ To Play
He would provide the 76ers with the perimeter scoring threat from their backcourt that they are lacking. LaVine averaged 27.4 points per game last season and did it efficiently with a .507/.419/.849 shooting split. He also added 5.0 rebounds and 4.9 assists per game to round out his stat line.
A lot of the issues that came about in the postseason, such as the stagnant offense, would disappear with a player such as LaVine in the mix. And, let’s not overlook the addition of Derrick Jones Jr. in this deal.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: 76ers’ Ben Simmons Remains ‘Mentally Not Ready’ To Play
Jones provides Philadelphia with another athletic wing that can get the job done defensively. He is a physical forward on an expiring deal, so they could flip him again at the deadline if another team is looking for someone with his skill set.
