Philadelphia 76ers will trade Ben Simmons or Joel Embiid in this post-season if are unable to make a deep playoff run this year.
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The franchise currently sit sixth in the Eastern Conference and could face the high-flying Boston Celtics in the first round.
Ben Simmons is already out of the reckoning after suffering an injury on his left knee. The squad will rely on Joel Embiid to lead them to a deep playoff run this year in order to avoid the break-up of their team’s all-stars.
The Sixers could pose a lot of problems to some of the teams this season but has largely been predicted to face an early elimination especially considering the loss of Ben Simmons to a left knee injury.
Ben Simmons or Joel Embiid to be traded?
At this point, Ben Simmons might end up getting traded elsewhere as Joel Embiid is clearly a more valuable asset to them.
An NBA executive, while speaking to Cleveland.com confirmed that the Sixers had made up their mind on trading either of their two all-stars, if things don’t go as planned in the post season.
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And that could now be a reality, as Simmons is already out for an extended period after undergoing a surgery on his left knee.
Embiid on the other hand is expected to carry the Sixers offense this post-season and his performances might convince the front-office to trade Simmons in the summer.
The all-star duo of Simmons and Embiid could not gel together for the 76ers and the squad looked to be in a dismal condition entering the bubble. However, the idea of Simmons playing as a power-forward was finally implemented in the bubble. The onlookers had mentioned that the two-time all-star looked comfortable playing as a four and was even gelling well with Joel Embiid.
What’s next for the 76ers?
Joel Embiid and co. are currently embroiled in a three-way race to bag the fourth seed in the eastern conference. The Sixers sit a game behind Miami Heat and are tied with Pacers for the fifth seed. The 76ers have won their last 3 games inside the bubble and will look to maintain their form against a red-hot Trail Blazers who are chasing the 8th seed in the west.
Joel Embiid has played 48 games in the season so far and has averaged 24 points, 12 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.3 blocks per game. On the other hand, Ben Simmons who played 57 games this season averages 16.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, 8 assists and 2.1 steals per game.
