The idea of trading Ben Simmons to the Portland Trail Blazers was a big topic of conversation in the NBA offseason. Recently, it came out that the Philadelphia 76ers were not interested in a Simmons-for-CJ McCollum trade but this does not mean that the possibility is off the table completely.
The Sixers know they have to move on from Simmons. The two sides do not have a future together after all that has transpired. Now, Daryl Morey and the rest of the front office is waiting for the right trade partner.
Morey has said that the Sixers are not going to settle on a deal and will hang onto Simmons if they do not get a big-time contributor in return. McCollum would certainly be that return but has suffered a significant injury.
McCollum is set to miss time with a collapsed right lung. He was recently diagnosed and there has been no timetable set for return. This is going to make it even more difficult for a Blazers’ team that is struggling once agains to begin the season.
The front office still has to wait and see what is going to happen with Damian Lillard. The All-Star point guard might be getting frustrated with the current situation in Portland. This is why NBA trade rumors have featured Lillard and he has been linked to teams like Philadelphia and the New York Knicks.
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If Lillard truly wants to play with Ben Simmons, which he has not said publicly, it would have to be in Portland. If the two want to link up, the Philadelphia 76ers and Portland Trail Blazers will have to make a trade.
McCollum seems like the perfect fit for the Sixers. Joel Embiid is the franchise player in Philadelphia. He is an MVP candidate year in and year out. When looking at the roster on paper, it became significantly improved when Morey added shooters along the perimeter.
Seth Curry and Danny Green have made a huge impact in just over a year. McCollum is a three-point threat but can score from all over the floor. This is a way to free up Embiid and give McCollum more room along the perimeter.
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Opposing defenses would have to decide who they want to focus on. If Embiid is doubled down low, he can pass out to a shooter on the perimeter. There would always have to be an eye on McCollum, which makes it difficult to put two or three defenders on Embiid. Not only would this offensive game plan improve the Philadelphia 76ers, Damian Lillard and the Blazers would get another big name.
Ben Simmons being paired with Lillard means he would not have to focus on handling the ball or being the focal point of the offense. This is necessary given his inept offensive game. Simmons would be an immediate defensive upgrade from McCollum.
Damian Lillard has not requested a trade and it is unknown if he will. He has always been class act that says the right things in public. This will come down to if he ends up wanting out and playing for a contender.
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If this happens, the front office will have no choice but to move him. This would not be the worst thing for a franchise in a bit of a limbo period. The return for one of the best point guards in the league would be massive.
Philadelphia has not expressed interest in a trade involving Ben Simmons and CJ McCollum. It is still early in the season as the trade deadline is two months away. There is plenty that can happen from now until then and these rumors will continue to heat up.
