Ben Simmons trades go here (and here only): Expect warnings if not following forum rules

[Darthlukey]

I just want to drop in with a quick comment - without making this about specific players - that talent (and impact) is not distributed linearly in the NBA and the price of players reflects the exponential nature of a real distribution curve. Meaning you generally have to pay significantly more than 2x the price to get 2x the impact. I don't know if its 3x or 4x or whatever - that can be up for debate in addition to specific players being over or under paid - but especially toward the top end those "little" differences are worth a whole lot more.

Its why the common refrain around here is "quality over quantity".

This was precisely why I didn't want to give Roy a set number to plug into his formula. I agree you have to pay a real premium and saying CJ costs nearly 4x as much does not mean I think he's obligated to give 4x the impact for that cost difference to be warranted.

My issue with this debate continues to be in real world examples, specifically with Philly where to to trade for CJ means they are giving up a really good player whereas Portland could trade for Curry without doing so. So we have to factor in everything into a trade--the matching salary matters a lot. Some teams have enough money they don't mind moving to match CJ and should give a better asset along with that salary to get CJ over Curry in most cases. Other teams can't realistically match the salary in a way that makes sense to also add an asset that they might give for Curry whom they can just add to what they have.

But yes Curry or Dame are worth far more than even a player as good as Kyle Lowry despite not making that much more money. Because they change the entire calculus of your team in ways Lowry can't.

The entire problem with having limits on max deals. And/or second tier stars being paid the max. Sorry, off topic but your point was right on the money there

[zimpy27]

Portland owes lots of value to Philly. in your scenario i expect they get cut out altogether. I dont think masai will give up on achiuwa either (african connection and all).

You don't think CJ+LeVert is enough value for Simmons+Curry? I suppose Warren for Korkmaz could be added, does that make up the difference or now an overpay?

I have Curry > Levert and Simmons > CJ so it's well short on value for me.

Is this better or still short?

PHI get CJ+Warren+JHoliday
CJ, Green, Warren, Harris, Embiid -- Maxey, Thybulle, JHoliday, Niang, Drummond

POR get Siakam
Lillard, Powell, Covington, Siakam, Nurkic -- Simons, Snell, Little, Nance, Zeller

IND get Simmons+Curry+Achiuwa
Curry, Brogdon, LeVert, Simmons, Turner -- McConnell, Duarte, Oshae, Achiuwa, Goga

TOR get Sabonis+Lamb
FVV, Trent, OG, Barnes, Sabonis -- Flynn, Lamb, Watanabe, Boucher, Birch

[Godaddycurse]

You don't think CJ+LeVert is enough value for Simmons+Curry? I suppose Warren for Korkmaz could be added, does that make up the difference or now an overpay?

I have Curry > Levert and Simmons > CJ so it's well short on value for me.

Is this better or still short?

PHI get CJ+Warren+JHoliday
CJ, Green, Warren, Harris, Embiid -- Maxey, Thybulle, JHoliday, Niang, Drummond

POR get Siakam
Lillard, Powell, Covington, Siakam, Nurkic -- Simons, Snell, Little, Nance, Zeller

IND get Simmons+Curry+Achiuwa
Curry, Brogdon, LeVert, Simmons, Turner -- McConnell, Duarte, Oshae, Achiuwa, Goga

TOR get Sabonis+Lamb
FVV, Trent, OG, Barnes, Sabonis -- Flynn, Lamb, Watanabe, Boucher, Birch

Warren should be left out; he is not positive value considering his cloudy outlook. I have Jholiday and curry as similar value and still Portland still owes multiple 1sts to swap for siakam.

[Wolveswin]

I still think this is the best deal for Philly:

To OKC: McDaniels

To Wolves: Simmons + Reed + Joe

To 76ers (now below cap): Beasley + Beverley + K. Williams + 2025 Philly 1st (returned) + Another OKC owed 1st…

OKC giving 2 1sts + Williams for McDaniels feels way too high. I think they pass.

Not all 1sts are created equal. Philly 1st is protected and will be real late 1st, worth way more to them than OKC. OKC has plenty of late 1sts they can add.

[eminence]

I have Curry > Levert and Simmons > CJ so it's well short on value for me.

Is this better or still short?

PHI get CJ+Warren+JHoliday
CJ, Green, Warren, Harris, Embiid -- Maxey, Thybulle, JHoliday, Niang, Drummond

POR get Siakam
Lillard, Powell, Covington, Siakam, Nurkic -- Simons, Snell, Little, Nance, Zeller

IND get Simmons+Curry+Achiuwa
Curry, Brogdon, LeVert, Simmons, Turner -- McConnell, Duarte, Oshae, Achiuwa, Goga

TOR get Sabonis+Lamb
FVV, Trent, OG, Barnes, Sabonis -- Flynn, Lamb, Watanabe, Boucher, Birch

Warren should be left out; he is not positive value considering his cloudy outlook. I have Jholiday and curry as similar value and still Portland still owes multiple 1sts to swap for siakam.

Agreeing that Warren should be left out and that Curry/J.Holiday isn't a big deal, though I kinda like the flip. Disagree on 1st owed. Don't really feel Precious needs to be involved. I think it works pretty fine with just the main pieces and Lamb for salary matching.

[Godaddycurse]

Is this better or still short?

PHI get CJ+Warren+JHoliday
CJ, Green, Warren, Harris, Embiid -- Maxey, Thybulle, JHoliday, Niang, Drummond

POR get Siakam
Lillard, Powell, Covington, Siakam, Nurkic -- Simons, Snell, Little, Nance, Zeller

IND get Simmons+Curry+Achiuwa
Curry, Brogdon, LeVert, Simmons, Turner -- McConnell, Duarte, Oshae, Achiuwa, Goga

TOR get Sabonis+Lamb
FVV, Trent, OG, Barnes, Sabonis -- Flynn, Lamb, Watanabe, Boucher, Birch

Warren should be left out; he is not positive value considering his cloudy outlook. I have Jholiday and curry as similar value and still Portland still owes multiple 1sts to swap for siakam.

Agreeing that Warren should be left out and that Curry/J.Holiday isn't a big deal, though I kinda like the flip. Disagree on 1st owed. Don't really feel Precious needs to be involved. I think it works pretty fine with just the main pieces and Lamb for salary matching.

I don't think you'll find any raptor fans to agree that CJ=Siakam in value. I think most blazers fans were willing to add 1st(s) in that swap too

[DowJones]

PHI Out: Simmons
PHI In: Sexton, Wiggins, Cavs 2022 1st (Top 7, Top 5, Top 3, 2 2nds)

Returns a young scorer and a solid defense-first wing. Sixers would have a solid line-up and ammunition to swing a Beal/Lillard type deal at the deadline. If they don't move pieces for a larger deal, they could move Curry or Shake + the Cavs pick for a substantial upgrade somewhere else.

Cavs Out: Sexton, Cedi Osman, Rubio, Cavs 2022 1st (Top 7, Top 5, Top 3, 2 2nds), 4 2nds (Including Hou 2022)
Cavs In: Simmons

Cavs bring in Simmons to add to Okoro and Garland and stay under the tax. They pay in picks, but it jumpstarts their rebuild.

Warriors Out: Wiggins, Mulder
Warriors In: Osman, Rubio, Kenrich Williams, 2 2nds

Warriors move out Wiggins who has lost value because he can't play home games. Replace him with Osman, who, if he returns to form, will be a valuable wing. Rubio adopts the Livingston role. Kenrich Williams fills in as a low-usage starter until Klay Thompson returns. Warriors also save $5.5 million, which is a lot of tax savings.

OKC Out: Kenrich Williams
OKC In: Mulder, 2 2nds (including Hou 2022)

OKC gets two good seconds and takes a flyer on Mulder. Good return for a decent wing who probably isn't in their long-term plans.

As a Cavs fan I would do this and I would even go straight unprotected #1 with Sexton to get Simmons. I have always maintained that my max offer as a Cavs fan would be unprotected #1 and Sexton for Simmons. No additional first rounders, pick swaps, etc.

[zimpy27]

Is this better or still short?

PHI get CJ+Warren+JHoliday
CJ, Green, Warren, Harris, Embiid -- Maxey, Thybulle, JHoliday, Niang, Drummond

POR get Siakam
Lillard, Powell, Covington, Siakam, Nurkic -- Simons, Snell, Little, Nance, Zeller

IND get Simmons+Curry+Achiuwa
Curry, Brogdon, LeVert, Simmons, Turner -- McConnell, Duarte, Oshae, Achiuwa, Goga

TOR get Sabonis+Lamb
FVV, Trent, OG, Barnes, Sabonis -- Flynn, Lamb, Watanabe, Boucher, Birch

Warren should be left out; he is not positive value considering his cloudy outlook. I have Jholiday and curry as similar value and still Portland still owes multiple 1sts to swap for siakam.

Agreeing that Warren should be left out and that Curry/J.Holiday isn't a big deal, though I kinda like the flip. Disagree on 1st owed. Don't really feel Precious needs to be involved. I think it works pretty fine with just the main pieces and Lamb for salary matching.

Ok will keep Warren out. I do think there is something to this trade but some of the pieces need tweaking.

[jbk1234]

PHI Out: Simmons
PHI In: Sexton, Wiggins, Cavs 2022 1st (Top 7, Top 5, Top 3, 2 2nds)

Returns a young scorer and a solid defense-first wing. Sixers would have a solid line-up and ammunition to swing a Beal/Lillard type deal at the deadline. If they don't move pieces for a larger deal, they could move Curry or Shake + the Cavs pick for a substantial upgrade somewhere else.

Cavs Out: Sexton, Cedi Osman, Rubio, Cavs 2022 1st (Top 7, Top 5, Top 3, 2 2nds), 4 2nds (Including Hou 2022)
Cavs In: Simmons

Cavs bring in Simmons to add to Okoro and Garland and stay under the tax. They pay in picks, but it jumpstarts their rebuild.

Warriors Out: Wiggins, Mulder
Warriors In: Osman, Rubio, Kenrich Williams, 2 2nds

Warriors move out Wiggins who has lost value because he can't play home games. Replace him with Osman, who, if he returns to form, will be a valuable wing. Rubio adopts the Livingston role. Kenrich Williams fills in as a low-usage starter until Klay Thompson returns. Warriors also save $5.5 million, which is a lot of tax savings.

OKC Out: Kenrich Williams
OKC In: Mulder, 2 2nds (including Hou 2022)

OKC gets two good seconds and takes a flyer on Mulder. Good return for a decent wing who probably isn't in their long-term plans.

As a Cavs fan I would do this and I would even go straight unprotected #1 with Sexton to get Simmons. I have always maintained that my max offer as a Cavs fan would be unprotected #1 and Sexton for Simmons. No additional first rounders, pick swaps, etc.

That's funny. After reading that Simmons wants to go to a team where he can be surrounded by shooters and be the No. 1 option on offense, I think I'm out.

At least until the Cavs get permission to talk to Klutch and see what Ben's time table for that is. Mobley won't be ready to start at the 5 this season and I'd rather not be forced to sell low on both Okoro and Allen to expedite Ben's vision for the Cavs.

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[BoogieTime]

PHI Out: Simmons
PHI In: Sexton, Wiggins, Cavs 2022 1st (Top 7, Top 5, Top 3, 2 2nds)

Returns a young scorer and a solid defense-first wing. Sixers would have a solid line-up and ammunition to swing a Beal/Lillard type deal at the deadline. If they don't move pieces for a larger deal, they could move Curry or Shake + the Cavs pick for a substantial upgrade somewhere else.

Cavs Out: Sexton, Cedi Osman, Rubio, Cavs 2022 1st (Top 7, Top 5, Top 3, 2 2nds), 4 2nds (Including Hou 2022)
Cavs In: Simmons

Cavs bring in Simmons to add to Okoro and Garland and stay under the tax. They pay in picks, but it jumpstarts their rebuild.

Warriors Out: Wiggins, Mulder
Warriors In: Osman, Rubio, Kenrich Williams, 2 2nds

Warriors move out Wiggins who has lost value because he can't play home games. Replace him with Osman, who, if he returns to form, will be a valuable wing. Rubio adopts the Livingston role. Kenrich Williams fills in as a low-usage starter until Klay Thompson returns. Warriors also save $5.5 million, which is a lot of tax savings.

OKC Out: Kenrich Williams
OKC In: Mulder, 2 2nds (including Hou 2022)

OKC gets two good seconds and takes a flyer on Mulder. Good return for a decent wing who probably isn't in their long-term plans.

As a Cavs fan I would do this and I would even go straight unprotected #1 with Sexton to get Simmons. I have always maintained that my max offer as a Cavs fan would be unprotected #1 and Sexton for Simmons. No additional first rounders, pick swaps, etc.

That's funny. After reading that Simmons wants to go to a team where he can be surrounded by shooters and the No. 1 option on offense, I think I'm out.

At least until the Cavs get permission to talk to Klutch and see what Ben's time table for that is. Mobley won't be ready to start at the 5 this season and I'd rather not be forced to sell low on both Okoro and Allen to expedite Ben's vision for the Cavs.

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I was thinking the same thing. Not sure of his fit in Sac with Holmes and non shooters

It limits the teams. But the Wolves are still in the mix as is Houston maybe (Sengun plays down low), and I guess they are the odds on favorites now anyways

[babyjax13]

Atlanta trades: Clint Capella, Onyeka Okongwu, Kevin Huerter, Cam Reddish
Atlanta receives: Ben Simmons, Chris Boucher
Atlanta builds the perfect supporting lineup around Simmons and Trae. The floor is spaced for Simmons, and his gravity opens up a ton for Trae.

San Antonio trades: Derrick White, Thaddeus Young
San Antonio receives: Cam Reddish, Onyeka Okongwu, Furkan Korkmaz, Andre Drummond, Isaiah Joe
Spurs get a haul for Derrick White. Reddish is worth a shot as a forward, and Okongwu seems like exactly the kind of young player Pop can develop.

Toronto trades: Chris Boucher, Goran Dragic
Toronto receives: Clint Capella, Paul Reed
Toronto moves Dragic and upgrades Boucher to Capella.

Philadelphia trades: Ben Simmons, Furkan Korkmaz, Andre Drummond, Isaiah Joe, Paul Reed
Philadelphia receives: Derrick White, Thaddeus Young, Goran Dragic, Kevin Huerter
Philadelphia moves Simmons for a ton of quality depth. White is a really good player and I think the best of the rumored McCollum/Brogdon/Powell/White/Beasley group.

[babyjax13]

Houston trades: John Wall, Christian Wood, Kevin Porter Jr., Jae'Sean Tate, Danuel House
Houston receives: Ben Simmons, Kyle Kuzma, Serge Ibaka, Paul Reed, Isaiah Joe
Get a young star that fits with their other young star (Green).

Philadelphia trades: Ben Simmons, Danny Green, Paul Reed, Isaiah Joe, Andre Drummond
Philadelphia receives: John Wall, Deni Avdija, Danuel House, Kevin Porter Jr., Jae'Sean Tate, Jason Preston, 2022 LAC 2nd
Get a young volume scorer with potential (KPJ), a young wing playmaker (Avdija), a young combo-forward 3+D player (Tate), a nice veteran combo forward (House), take a shot on a young point guard (Preston), and cross your fingers Wall can give you something on his contract. Hopefully with so many decent young players on rookie deals they can balance Wall's bloated deal. This should also give them a ton of ammunition should another star become available with all of Avdija/KPJ/Maxey/Milton/Springer/Basset/Tate/Preston/picks to dangle.

Washington trades: Deni Avdija, Kyle Kuzma
Washington receives: Christian Wood
Get a 20/10 player to be the second banana to Beal.

Clippers trade: Serge Ibaka, Jason Preston, 2022 LAC 2nd
Clippers receive: Danny Green, Andre Drummond
Move an injured Ibaka for a 3+D vet that should fit seamlessly into their team culture and concept.

[shrink]

That's funny. After reading that Simmons wants to go to a team where he can be surrounded by shooters and the No. 1 option on offense, I think I'm out.

I was thinking the same thing. Not sure of his fit in Sac with Holmes and non shooters

It limits the teams. But the Wolves are still in the mix as is Houston maybe (Sengun plays down low), and I guess they are the odds on favorites now anyways

I think the “#1 option on offense” line could make the Wolves flinch too..

I have to think that the Wolves front office want KAT (efficiency and match up nightmare) and Edwards (future superstar?) to be the top two offensive options. Russell and Beasley are going to expect to get their FGA’s because they are mainly on the court for offense, and continuing to be 20 PPG scorers get them paid.

What team keeps Simmons happy? He has magnified the risk of making a big offer, because we’ve seen he is willing to sacrifice the salary and not honor his contract if he is unhappy.

[Helsbyte]

You don't think CJ+LeVert is enough value for Simmons+Curry? I suppose Warren for Korkmaz could be added, does that make up the difference or now an overpay?

I have Curry > Levert and Simmons > CJ so it's well short on value for me.

Is this better or still short?

PHI get CJ+Warren+JHoliday
CJ, Green, Warren, Harris, Embiid -- Maxey, Thybulle, JHoliday, Niang, Drummond

POR get Siakam
Lillard, Powell, Covington, Siakam, Nurkic -- Simons, Snell, Little, Nance, Zeller

IND get Simmons+Curry+Achiuwa
Curry, Brogdon, LeVert, Simmons, Turner -- McConnell, Duarte, Oshae, Achiuwa, Goga

TOR get Sabonis+Lamb
FVV, Trent, OG, Barnes, Sabonis -- Flynn, Lamb, Watanabe, Boucher, Birch

Actually that is an overpay for Indiana as they are receiving players that doesn't fit their team. I think the concept of moving Sabonis in this trade idea is correct but it appears you under valued him. If we take the 4 main components of this trade and rank their trade value it is Sabonis > Simmons/ Siakam / CJ. I am not saying Sabonis is the best player here, but I do have all 4 in the same tier of players(30-40). I can not see Indy wanting to add more than a filler to this (Lamb). The remaining part of the trade is where Indy says no, as you take Warren and Holiday for Curry and Achiuwa. Value wise sure it looks ok but you now created a hole at SF by taking the 2 players we have there and insert Curry into the starting lineup and have Indy go to a 3 guard lineup(4 if you count Simmons). No thanks! We would rather keep Warren/Holiday.

[kuclas]

That's funny. After reading that Simmons wants to go to a team where he can be surrounded by shooters and the No. 1 option on offense, I think I'm out.

I was thinking the same thing. Not sure of his fit in Sac with Holmes and non shooters

It limits the teams. But the Wolves are still in the mix as is Houston maybe (Sengun plays down low), and I guess they are the odds on favorites now anyways

I think the “#1 option on offense” line could make the Wolves flinch too..

I have to think that the Wolves front office want KAT (efficiency and match up nightmare) and Edwards (future superstar?) to be the top two offensive options. Russell and Beasley are going to expect to get their FGA’s because they are mainly on the court for offense, and continuing to be 20 PPG scorers get them paid.

What team keeps Simmons happy? He has magnified the risk of making a big offer, because we’ve seen he is willing to sacrifice the salary and not honor his contract if he is unhappy.

Embiid only takes 17-18 shots a game. He does get to the free throw line a ton. So I’m not sure Simmons wants to be the number one option.

Look at the end of the day. He can run wild with Sacramento or Minnesota in regular season. Tons of transition points. It’s a more up tempo pace. He can pad his stats easily. But come playoff time when teams actually play defense all 4 quarters. And more half court oriented. How is Simmons gonna to do?

I just think sixers will let him sit and not pay him. It’s a game of chicken.

They will see how the current lineup with Maxey at the point does. Maxey isn’t a true point guard. Neither is Milton.

[MasterIchiro]

Needs arise during training camp and through preseason. If a key PG goes down it could bring a new bidder to the table. And these games don't count yet so it doesn't hurt Morey to wait through preseason.

My money is still on the Kings or Cavs. I just think those teams are highly motivated to make the playoffs. Kings maxed Fox and brought back Holmes on a big deal. They have kept Barnes. They obviously want to win now. The Cavs gave huge money to Allen despite drafting Mobley. They kept Sexton. They gave up draft capital to acquire Allen. They brought in Lauri at a high price tag. They also very clearly want to win now. Players like Ben Simmons don't sign in Cleveland or Sacramento, so the trade possibility provides a unique opportunity to add a star player and make a playoff push. These teams are limited in their ability to attract a star player. Kings are shifting more towards defense in drafting Haliburton and Mitchell in consecutive drafts. So I see them covering Ben Simmons for his All-NBA defense. And I don't think Morey wants the PR nightmare of facing Ben Simmons in the East. So ultimately, I think he goes out West. If I'm Morey I'm far more interested in Kings merchandise over Wolves or Rockets.

[jbk1234]

Needs arise during training camp and through preseason. If a key PG goes down it could bring a new bidder to the table. And these games don't count yet so it doesn't hurt Morey to wait through preseason.

My money is still on the Kings or Cavs. I just think those teams are highly motivated to make the playoffs. Kings maxed Fox and brought back Holmes on a big deal. They have kept Barnes. They obviously want to win now. The Cavs gave huge money to Allen despite drafting Mobley. They kept Sexton. They gave up draft capital to acquire Allen. They brought in Lauri at a high price tag. They also very clearly want to win now. Players like Ben Simmons don't sign in Cleveland or Sacramento, so the trade possibility provides a unique opportunity to add a star player and make a playoff push. These teams are limited in their ability to attract a star player. Kings are shifting more towards defense in drafting Haliburton and Mitchell in consecutive drafts. So I see them covering Ben Simmons for his All-NBA defense. And I don't think Morey wants the PR nightmare of facing Ben Simmons in the East. So ultimately, I think he goes out West. If I'm Morey I'm far more interested in Kings merchandise over Wolves or Rockets.

See, I think the added value to the acquiring team would be that you could audition Simmons in the role of a secondary ball handler and see how that goes. Maybe out of the forward position he only shrinks spacing on one side of the court. Maybe he's the screener in a PNR with a good shooter which makes it harder for defenses to cram down in the paint. Maybe he's engaged in more off ball action setting screens for shooters to get free. There are a lot of things you can try with Ben that would make the defense's job harder than it is while knowing he can't shoot at the top of the 3 point line with the ball in his hands.

That's why the number 1 option on offense comments are pretty frickin disconcerting.

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[MasterIchiro]

Needs arise during training camp and through preseason. If a key PG goes down it could bring a new bidder to the table. And these games don't count yet so it doesn't hurt Morey to wait through preseason.

My money is still on the Kings or Cavs. I just think those teams are highly motivated to make the playoffs. Kings maxed Fox and brought back Holmes on a big deal. They have kept Barnes. They obviously want to win now. The Cavs gave huge money to Allen despite drafting Mobley. They kept Sexton. They gave up draft capital to acquire Allen. They brought in Lauri at a high price tag. They also very clearly want to win now. Players like Ben Simmons don't sign in Cleveland or Sacramento, so the trade possibility provides a unique opportunity to add a star player and make a playoff push. These teams are limited in their ability to attract a star player. Kings are shifting more towards defense in drafting Haliburton and Mitchell in consecutive drafts. So I see them covering Ben Simmons for his All-NBA defense. And I don't think Morey wants the PR nightmare of facing Ben Simmons in the East. So ultimately, I think he goes out West. If I'm Morey I'm far more interested in Kings merchandise over Wolves or Rockets.

See, I think the added value to the acquiring team would be that you could audition Simmons in the role of a secondary ball handler and see how that goes. Maybe out of the forward position he only shrinks spacing on one side of the court. Maybe he's the screener in a PNR with a good shooter which makes it harder for defenses to cram down in the paint. Maybe he's engaged in more off ball action setting screens for shooters to get free. There are a lot of things you can try with Ben that would make the defense's job harder than it is while knowing he can't shoot at the top of the 3 point line with the ball in his hands.

That's why the number 1 option on offense comments are pretty frickin disconcerting.

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He really is a primary ball handler though. He's an elite playmaker. Not much separates him from LaMelo Ball in that aspect of the game. So I can see why, especially being young, he wants the offense running through him. His agent is coaching him to project confidence in his scoring ability. It's in his best interests to inflate his sense of self-worth. Teams yet to establish continuity and a winning culture can accommodate that instinct and raise his confidence without enabling him with the same shot attempts as a #1 scoring option. He could still grow into a more well-rounded player and while he sounds unreasonable, it's a good goal given his youth. Maybe he rewards a new team that invests the confidence level he believes he's earned. The playmaking and defense suddenly become tantalizing if he can take and make more shots. His agency and the player are really moving aggressively on relocation. So a great deal of this is salesmanship and should be taken with a grain of salt. If Sexton is the foundation of a Cavs proposal, I wouldn't feel bad about that as a Cavs fan. Sexton only plays on one side of the ball. Allen provides rim protection and Simmons would help a ton on the perimeter. Okoro was a reach, so the Cavs are cognizant of their need for defense. They're definitely in play.

[Ballerhogger]

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[jbk1234]

Needs arise during training camp and through preseason. If a key PG goes down it could bring a new bidder to the table. And these games don't count yet so it doesn't hurt Morey to wait through preseason.

My money is still on the Kings or Cavs. I just think those teams are highly motivated to make the playoffs. Kings maxed Fox and brought back Holmes on a big deal. They have kept Barnes. They obviously want to win now. The Cavs gave huge money to Allen despite drafting Mobley. They kept Sexton. They gave up draft capital to acquire Allen. They brought in Lauri at a high price tag. They also very clearly want to win now. Players like Ben Simmons don't sign in Cleveland or Sacramento, so the trade possibility provides a unique opportunity to add a star player and make a playoff push. These teams are limited in their ability to attract a star player. Kings are shifting more towards defense in drafting Haliburton and Mitchell in consecutive drafts. So I see them covering Ben Simmons for his All-NBA defense. And I don't think Morey wants the PR nightmare of facing Ben Simmons in the East. So ultimately, I think he goes out West. If I'm Morey I'm far more interested in Kings merchandise over Wolves or Rockets.

See, I think the added value to the acquiring team would be that you could audition Simmons in the role of a secondary ball handler and see how that goes. Maybe out of the forward position he only shrinks spacing on one side of the court. Maybe he's the screener in a PNR with a good shooter which makes it harder for defenses to cram down in the paint. Maybe he's engaged in more off ball action setting screens for shooters to get free. There are a lot of things you can try with Ben that would make the defense's job harder than it is while knowing he can't shoot at the top of the 3 point line with the ball in his hands.

That's why the number 1 option on offense comments are pretty frickin disconcerting.

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He really is a primary ball handler though. He's an elite playmaker. Not much separates him from LaMelo Ball in that aspect of the game. So I can see why, especially being young, he wants the offense running through him. His agent is coaching him to project confidence in his scoring ability. It's in his best interests to inflate his sense of self-worth. Teams yet to establish continuity and a winning culture can accommodate that instinct and raise his confidence without enabling him with the same shot attempts as a #1 scoring option. He could still grow into a more well-rounded player and while he sounds unreasonable, it's a good goal given his youth. Maybe he rewards a new team that invests the confidence level he believes he's earned. The playmaking and defense suddenly become tantalizing if he can take and make more shots. His agency and the player are really moving aggressively on relocation. So a great deal of this is salesmanship and should be taken with a grain of salt. If Sexton is the foundation of a Cavs proposal, I wouldn't feel bad about that as a Cavs fan. Sexton only plays on one side of the ball. Allen provides rim protection and Simmons would help a ton on the perimeter. Okoro was a reach, so the Cavs are cognizant of their need for defense. They're definitely in play.

The Cavs aren't going to make Garland the secondary ball handler and shrink the floor. Nothing about that makes sense. If Ben and Klutch don't agree with that, then Cleveland isn't a good landing spot.

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