Does this trade make sense for the Philadelphia 76ers?
At the end of the day, a decision needs to be made in regards to Ben Simmons’ future in Philadelphia because the 76ers cannot afford to just have him sit out games/seasons.
Daryl Morey can say all he wants that the organization will continue to fine him and all of that, but he knows deep down that they cannot wait to make a move either.
Joel Embiid is in the prime of his career and given the injury concerns surrounding him through the years, the 76ers definitely have to have the mindset that right now is their time to contend for a championship.
They always have to be prepared for the worst case scenario of Embiid going down with an injury and if that happens for them this season, then their title window may shut completely.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Source: 76ers Believe Ben Simmons Is The Key To Landing Damian Lillard
With the Nets, Bucks, Heat and Bulls not going anywhere anytime soon in regards to falling off in the Eastern Conference, the 76ers margin for error is very slim, which is why if this trade with the Thunder is available to them ahead of the trade deadline this season, they must make this trade.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is one of the best players in the league under 24-years-old and he could not only help this team win games right now, but he could do so for at least the next decade. Tyrese Maxey and Seth Curry have been great in the backcourt, but they are nowhere close to being on the same level as Gilgeous-Alexander.
Defensively, the Thunder guard may not appear to be too valuable to the 76ers, but offensively, he is averaging 21.2 points per game this season and is another dynamic scorer that does not always need the ball in his hands to be dominant.
The best part about adding Gilgeous-Alexander for the 76ers is that he can play off of Joel Embiid and still be a threat to score. Whether it is in pick-and-roll sets or in transition, this team suddenly becomes deadly on offense, which is something they are not right now.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Source: 76ers Believe Ben Simmons Is The Key To Landing Damian Lillard
Simmons, Springer, Joe and a 2022 first-round pick is a lot of future value to sacrifice, but the 76ers have no future if they cannot capitalize on the present. Their time to compete for a title is now and if they do not move Ben Simmons this season for another high-level player, then their championship window will be closed.
