While the Philadelphia 76ers have publicly stuck to the notion that they don’t want to split up Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid, they could be big buyers on NBA Draft day.
According to Heavy.com writer Brandon Robinson, Simmons “privately” wants out of Philadelphia, saying he doesn’t want to deal with the ridicule of Philly fans anymore.
This relates to information that was presented to Robinson by college basketball expert Rashad Phillips about the Toronto Raptors reportedly looking to trade up in the draft for top prospect LaMelo Ball. This could include a three-team trade with the Philadelphia 76ers and the Golden State Warriors, who hold the no. 2 overall pick, that would send Ben Simmons to Golden State.
Phillips hypothesized the scenario saying, “Between those three teams, some business needs to be done.” Phillips has a strong belief that Toronto wants LaMelo Ball.
I just believe that Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid just are not compatible with regards to how the NBA style is played. Not personally compatible, just the way the spacing; Ben Simmons’ inability to make jump shots, Joel Embiid’s ability to want to shoot jump shots, I just don’t think it’s a good mix. If I’m the Raptors, I’ll trade Kyle Lowry to Philly. Philly needs a point guard, I believe Kyle Lowry is one of the premier point guards in the NBA. Philly needs that. I would send Ben Simmons to Golden State for maybe a pick and some players. If I’m the Raptors, I’d try to get in that mix to get LaMelo Ball.
If the Raptors are in fact eyeing Ball, sending off Lowry to Philly would make sense. Of course, as Robinson mentioned, Philly would surely receive more assets than just Lowry in return.
What the Golden State Warriors have in store for the no. 2 overall pick is scary if they’re open to shopping it in a deal for someone like Simmons.
The Minnesota Timberwolves with the no. 1 overall pick could be in play as well. Robinson calls Simmons a potential “consolation” for Minnesota if top target Devin Booker was unavailable to them. Phoenix making their move for Chris Paul might have squashed those chances.
