Report: NBA executives see a Simmons-McCollum swap as a “reasonable trade”

It has been less than 24 hours since the Atlanta Hawks upset the Philadelphia 76ers and we already have Ben Simmons trade rumors and rumblings. The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor wrote a piece highlighting the 76ers and Ben Simmons on Monday. He did a great job detailing some of the decision-making and possible thought process for the Sixers heading into a huge offseason.

One of the biggest quotes found within the article was this:

Consider Portland. McCollum for Simmons as the main piece in a Blazers-Sixers deal is what executives around the league, just like fans, think is a reasonable trade that makes sense for both sides.

The Ben Simmons-CJ McCollum swap has been a pretty big fan favorite in terms of trade machine ideas. On paper, it does make some sense. McCollum would provide the Sixers with a desperately needed shot maker with some additional playmaking, and in return, the Blazers would get another defender and playmaker to take some pressure off of Damian Lillard.

However, like most mock trades, this one is far from flawless. McCollum will turn 30 soon, and it’s believed that his contract is viewed as a negative to most. While he is a talented shot maker, he’s also been one of the reasons Portland’s defense has been lacking in recent memory. Seth Curry has also looked like a perfect player for the Sixers’ foreseeable future. I’m not sure if those two would be able to coexist defensively.

McCollum is a good player and offensive talent, but does he move the needle that much? I’ll let you be the judge.

Ben Simmons is far from a flawless player either. We just saw that firsthand in the Atlanta series. How much trade value he has left is anyone’s guess at this point. I’d probably say it ranges from team to team.

O’Connor went on to mention how Morey has been waiting for yet another great star to become available:

Opinions differ on Philadelphia’s decision not to pursue Lowry harder, but there is a consensus around the league that Morey resisted because he’s angling for an even greater star. He’s thinking about stars like Damian Lillard or Bradley Beal becoming available. CJ McCollum or Zach LaVine could also appeal to Philadelphia if they are put on the table.

This sounds like Daryl Morey — and it makes a lot of sense. Making a trade for the sake of making a trade likely won’t win you a title. While trading for CJ McCollum would be fine, that really is what it would be labeled as — fine. While Simmons’ value is at an all-time low, he still is a 24-year-old three-time All-Star and Defensive Player of the Year candidate. You probably don’t want to give up a player like that just to make an okay trade.

Both Damian Lillard and Bradley Beal would undoubtedly move the needle for the Sixers. Both are elite shot makers in their own right and would make a perfect fit alongside Joel Embiid. I also think Zach LaVine would be a great target and fit, more so than McCollum. He’s younger and arguably better.

By the wording of this piece, it seems like the Sixers and Morey are prepared to play the waiting game until a deal arises that they really like. While this might cause some groans from fans being impatient, it’s the right move. I strongly encourage you to check out Kevin O’Connor’s piece here, where you can find all of this information and more.

Buckle up for this offseason and the rumors that’ll come along with it. It didn’t take long for this to come out and it certainly won’t be the last rumor you’ll hear about.