ESPN and First Take analyst Stephen A Smith recently stated that the Philadelphia 76ers are looking to trade Ben Simmons.
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Ben Simmons has been in the news for all the wrong reasons recently. The 24-year old has received a lot of flak lately, owing to his poor performance in the 2021 NBA Playoffs.
Simmons’ inability to perform during the crucial moments of the playoffs was one of the major reasons why the 76ers were eliminated in the second round.
The former rookie of the year’s inability to shoot has been a major reason for his downfall. Simmons shot a dismal 34.2% from the free-throw line during the playoffs, which is the lowest in the history of the NBA Playoffs.
Simmons’ incompetence at the free-throw line was clearly exploited by the opposing team, who employed the term, Hack-A-Ben Simmons. This would result in the opponent intentionally fouling Simmons, especially during the 4th quarter. Thus sending him to the free-throw line.
Post the 76ers elimination in the playoffs. The rumor mills have been doing the rounds that the Philly team has been exploring all options to trade Simmons. As per the latest report, the Warriors have seemed to develop an interest in him.
How plausible is a Ben Simmons trade to the Warriors?
The idea of Simmons joining the cast of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green might be the best thing to have happened to the 24-year old in recent times.
It will be interesting to see what the Warriors have to offer in exchange. Simmons had signed a max contract worth $177 million for 5 years with the 76ers during the 2020-21 NBA season.
There have been rumors of the Warriors looking to trade some of its players that include the likes of Kelly Oubre, Andrew Wiggins, and rookie James Wiseman. It is interesting to note that the Dubs have a 7th and 14th first-round pick in the 2021 NBA Draft as well.
The Warriors might seem a perfect destination for Simmons, who was All-NBA First Defensive team this year, along with Draymond Green from the Warriors.
Steve Kerr’s coaching can be a blessing in disguise for the 2020 NBA steals leader. The Warriors are known to have one of the best team cultures in the NBA.
Simmons’ inability to shoot the ball can be masked by the elite duo of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. The splash brothers are considered to be the best backcourt in the NBA.
Simmons could be ideal for the Warriors, who have for long had Draymond Green as their only source of defense. Simmons’ exceptional passing ability can be of great use to the Dubs, who are known to be one of the best distributors of the ball.
