New York Knicks Receive: G/F Ben Simmons, G Isaiah Joe
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: G Evan Fournier, G Kemba Walker, F Obi Toppin, NYK 2022 1st Round Pick (Unprotected), NYK 2023 1st Round Pick (Swap, More Favorable to PHI), NYK 2024 1st Round Pick (Top-10 Protected, otherwise 2025 1st Round Pick Unprotected), NYK 2026 1st Round Pick (Swap, More Favorable to PHI)
The idea of adding Ben Simmons to a roster with Julius Randle and R.J. Barrett as its focal point on offense definitely makes sense, especially since the New York Knicks are in desperate need of help on defense.
However, the Knicks better be ready to give up a ton of assets in order to acquire Ben Simmons because there definitely will not be a “friendly rivalry discount” for them!
Losing Kemba Walker is a bit of a mixed bag since he had a few big games after being removed from the rotation, but has since cooled off. Evan Fournier is a key offensive weapon that the team just signed this offseason, Obi Toppin is a former top pick that they are very excited to see grow and the draft picks they would be trading away is the future of this Knicks organization.
Given their struggles this season and the fact that the Knicks are better than just three teams in the Eastern Conference record-wise, giving away a ton of future assets may not be the best thing for them to do at this time. On the other side of things though, Ben Simmons would immediately become their future.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: These Teams Are Interested In Ben Simmons Trade As Talks Heat Up
At 25-years-old, Ben Simmons is a 3-time All-Star, 2-time All-Defensive Player, a 1-time All-NBA performer, he led the league in steals during the 2019-20 season and for his career, he has averaged 15.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, 7.7 assists, 1.7 steals and has shot 55.7% from the floor.
His struggles on offense are very well documented and he will never be a consistent scorer outside of the paint, but Simmons can definitely still grow into a reliable two-way threat because of his passing abilities and the fact that he can get downhill towards the rim in a blink of an eye.
Going out and trading for Ben Simmons certainly does not make the New York Knicks a championship contender, but he would be another All-Star talent that they can pair with Julius Randle, making for a very intriguing defensive team once again.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: These Teams Are Interested In Ben Simmons Trade As Talks Heat Up
As for Philadelphia, Daryl Morey and this front-office have been adamant on the fact that they want an All-Star-level talent in exchange for Ben Simmons this season. Evan Fournier is not an All-Star, Obi Toppin is not an All-Star and Kemba Walker is a former All-Star, but he has some major durability concerns.
Nothing about this trade, other than the draft picks, is what the 76ers are looking for, which is why the Knicks may not have the ability to acquire Simmons from Philadelphia unless they are to offer up either Randle or Barrett.
