Brooklyn Nets Receive: F Tobias Harris, 2022 First-Round Pick (BOS), 2023 First-Round Pick (PHI)
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: F Doug McDermott, G Josh Richardson, C Zach Collins
San Antonio Spurs Receive: G/F Ben Simmons
The irony of the 76ers facilitating another Simmons trade is delicious. After the drama surrounding his departure from the City of Brotherly Love, most would anticipate the two sides avoiding each other.
This deal might make too much sense for the Sixers to stay away from. They’re getting off of Harris’ burdensome contract to acquire three smaller, more moveable ones. They’re parting with their own 2023 first-round pick to do so. If all goes according to plan, that pick will land towards the end of the first round.
The Brooklyn Nets, of course, are taking on that same contract. Still, Harris will be a wildly more productive player for them than a Simmons who doesn’t show up. In the 2021-22 playoffs so far, Harris is averaging 17.8 points per game while shooting 43.3% from deep. If the Nets acquired that version of the inconsistent Harris, this is a steal for them.
Meanwhile, the San Antonio Spurs get to keep Poeltl while acquiring Simmons. The fit between those two players isn’t clean on paper. Neither is the one between Simmons and emerging Spurs star Dejounte Murray. Still, the pure talent grab may be worth it for the Spurs.
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After all, Ben Simmons may be complicated, but his talent remains undeniable. If the Spurs can make these pieces coalesce, they could a threat in the Western Conference in 2022-23.
