Another day another big trade proposal centered on young Philadelphia 76ers star Ben Simmons. Since the 25-year-old three-time All-Star requested a trade, trade suggestions and rumors have run rampant, which makes sense considering his stature.
Simmons has made multiple All-Star teams. He has been named to an All-NBA Team. And he has been named to an All-Defensive first team in two consecutive years. Despite his offensive struggles, Philadelphia should be able to get back fair value for a guy who is so accomplished at such a young age.
Fox Sports 1’s Nick Wright believes the Sixers should be looking at their rivals, the Brooklyn Nets, to make a deal for Kyrie Irving. Wright admits such a trade is unlikely, but it is worth entertaining at the moment.
Wright:
I know this won’t happen, but as someone who has shorted the stock of the Nets, and been right, telling you right now Ben for Kyrie, if personalities weren’t a thing, basketball-wise, makes so much sense for Brooklyn, makes them an overwhelming favorite in the east. Overwhelming and maybe overwhelming favorite overall, but that’s not happening because of the relationships.
Simmons would be a great fit next to Kevin Durant and James Harden in Brooklyn and Irving would provide Philadelphia with what they need: shot creation.
The Sixers have been in serious need of a player who can create from the perimeter and be able to make clutch shots when the time calls for it. While Irving has a very loud personality, there is no questioning the guy’s talent. He has one of the best handles in the league. He is a guy who can break down a defense easily, and he has cold water plumbing in his veins late in games.
As Wright mentioned, this is probably an unlikely deal, but it is fun to play hypotheticals here. The Sixers really need a guy who can provide some playmaking and tough shot-making next to Joel Embiid, and Irving would be able to provide that for sure.
At the end of the day, the Sixers would want to avoid moving Simmons to a team within their division and somebody they will be fighting for Eastern Conference supremacy.
This post originally appeared on Sixers Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
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