[brid autoplay=”true” video=”809588″ player=”23231″ title=”Chris%20Mannix%20calls%20for%20the%20Sixers%20to%20trade%20Ben%20Simmons%20after%20the%20loss%20to%20Trae%20Young%20and%20the%20Hawks” duration=”100″ description=”Carolyn Manno asks Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated about the future of Ben Simmons with the Philadelphia 76ers following his rough performance in the team’s second-round loss to the Atlanta Hawks.” uploaddate=”2021-06-22″ thumbnailurl=”//cdn.brid.tv/live/partners/17660/thumb/809588_t_1624392684.png” contentUrl=”//cdn.brid.tv/live/partners/17660/sd/809588.mp4″]
The Golden State Warriors continue to be mentioned in Ben Simmons trade rumors on a near never-ending loop. While it seems to be a questionable fit on the offensive end of the court, he would help create the single-best defense in the NBA.
The question becomes what Golden State might offer up to the Philadelphia 76ers for Simmons. Obviously, Andrew Wiggins would have to be involved in any hypothetical trade. Golden State also boasts two lottery picks (7th and 14th overall) that they are willing to move. Below, we look at three ideal Ben Simmons trade scenarios to the Golden State Warriors.
Ben Simmons trade to the Golden State Warriors for Andrew Wiggins
- Warriors get: Ben Simmons
- 76ers get: Andrew Wiggins, Eric Pashall, 7th pick, future conditional first-round pick
There’s an open question as it relates to Simmons’ trade value. Just recently, it was reported that Philadelphia turned down Malcolm Brogdon and the 14th pick from the Indiana Pacers for the three-time All-Star. If we’re looking at something more valuable heading back to the 76ers, this specific trade might make the most sense.
Not only does Philly add an improved three-and-D wing in Wiggins, it nabs the seventh pick in this month’s NBA Draft and a future first-rounder. If nothing else, Daryl Morey and Co. could use those picks and a combination of youngsters to find a true star to team up with Joel Embiid. Meanwhile, Wiggins offers value on both ends of the court after averaging nearly 19 points per game on a career-best 48% shooting from the field last season.
As for the Warriors, there’s certainly a questionable fit here. Can they realistically rely on two below-average frontcourt players in Draymond Green and Ben Simmons? With that said, having Simmons move to the three or four might make the most sense. It would also create one truly elite combo with two of the three reigning NBA Defensive Player of the Year finalists teaming up together.
Ben Simmons trade to the Golden State Warriors for Andrew Wiggins, James Wiseman
- Warriors get: Ben Simmons, George Hill
- 76ers get: Andrew Wiggins, James Wiseman, Damion Lee, 14th pick
There’s another scenario in play here that enables Golden State to retain the seventh pick. Said scenario includes the team sending 2020 No. 2 pick James Wiseman to Philadelphia (at least temporarily). This could enable Green to play the small-ball five with Ben Simmons at a more natural power forward position. And while it would create a need for a three, the addition of a veteran backup point guard in George Hill would also help in an area that was lacking a season ago.
The idea here for Philadelphia is rather simple. There’s no room for Wiseman on the roster with Joel Embiid doing his thing. Rather, the talented 20-year-old big man would be flipped with a youngster like Tyrese Maxey and draft capital for a true star guard. Perhaps, the 76ers would have enough to land Damian Lillard from the Portland Trail Blazers. Just think about a lineup consisting of Lillard, Seth Curry, Wiggins, Tobias Harris and Embiid. That would be all sorts of sexy.
Three-team Ben Simmons trade to the Golden State Warriors
- Warriors get: Ben Simmons, Seth Curry, Aron Baynes
- 76ers get: Pascal Siakam, Malachi Flynn, 7th pick
- Raptors get: Andrew Wiggins, James Wiseman, Damion Lee, 14th pick
Oh boy. Now, this is an absolute blockbuster. A total of eight players and two picks switching teams as three disappointing teams attempt to change up their rosters this summer. And in reality, it could work for all three sides. Here’s how.
The Warriors not only add Simmons to the mix, they team Seth Curry up with his better-known brother to give the team yet another elite three-point shooter off the bench. Baynes also fits the bill as a potential stopgap option now that Wiseman would be moving on to another team in this hypothetical trade. The cost? Both lottery picks and Wiggins.
As for Toronto, there’s speculation that they could very well move Pascal Siakam with the Warriors being bandied about as an interested team. Instead, the Raptors get Philadelphia involved while adding Wiggins, Wiseman and a second lottery pick in the 2021 NBA Draft.
Realistically, Siakam would likely make the most sense for Philadelphia if it is looking for a true star player for Ben Simmons. He’s capable of putting up well over 20 points per game on a nightly basis and is a great two-way player. Sure this would create some issues in the backcourt. But a frontcourt trio of Tobias Harris, Pascal Siakam and Joel Embiid would be truly elite.