Before I get shit for this, let me clarify that the Knicks should not trade for Simmons if it means giving up Immanuel Quickley or RJ Barrett. Now is simply the right time to make a move for Simmons, as his performance in the Eastern Conference Semifinals has dropped his value to the lowest it will ever be.
Perfect Defensive Fit Under Thibodeau
Ben Simmons is one of the best defenders in the league – he was First Team All Defense this past season. With his ability to guard anyone on the court, he can help New York where they struggle the most: guarding the pick & roll. Tom Thibodeau would make great use of Simmons as a do-it-all guy on defense.
High Upside
What we saw in the playoffs against the Hawks from Simmons is some of the worst basketball he will ever play. Whether it be from confidence issues or from lacking the ability to shoot, the only place for him to go from here is up. If he can become more confident in his shot and his offense in general, he could transform into the player everyone thought he could be coming out of the draft. All it takes is a new environment. It is clear that trading for Simmons would have merit for the Knicks, but what might that trade look like?
Potential Trades
First off, any trade that the 76ers would even consider would need to include all of the Knicks’ picks this year. This includes three picks within the top 32 and a late second-rounder. Those picks, alongside a combination of Frank Ntilikina or Kevin Knox with Obi Toppin and two pick swaps, should be enough. This is significantly less than what teams would have needed to offer to get Simmons before the 2021 playoffs.
It may not be the most popular move, but trading for Simmons could solve a lot of problems that New York has at the moment. They desperately need a good point guard, and this could be the guy, shooting woes and all. I know Knicks fans will go crazy about this post, but it had to be said. Sorry, not sorry.
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