The marriage between Ben Simmons and the Philadelphia 76ers appears to be over. The Process is broken in large due to the lack of development of the 6-foot-10 point guard. Following the 76ers’ disappointing loss to the Atlanta Hawks in seven games, breaking up the duo of Joel Embiid and Simmons seems apparent.
But where could the 76ers send Simmons? Well, Vegas apparently likes the odds of him landing in Washington with the Wizards. Huh? The Wizards come in with the second-best odds only behind the Portland Trailbazers, according to BetOnline.ag.
Portland Trail Blazers: +200
Washington Wizards: +300
San Antonio Spurs: +400
Utah Jazz: +500
Oklahoma City Thunder: +550
The Trailblazers make a lot of sense. Damian Lillard may be growing tiresome of playoff losses in the Western Conference. Despite him being an All-NBA star and having CJ McCollum beside him, the Blazers just aren’t as appealing when stacked against other powers in the West.
Whether it’s to free Dame or trading McCollum to give Dame someone who doesn’t overlap in skill set, Portland and Philadelphia seemed destined to at least have a conversation or two about a Ben Simmons trade.
But what about the Wizards? The Wizards should be looking for a rebuild. Rumors have swirled about contenders around the league wanting to pry star Bradley Beal from Washington. However, the Wizards’ plan is to continue building around the third-team All-NBA player.
Last season, the team moved on from John Wall after 10 seasons, with the last two being plagued by injuries. Instead they paired Beal with 2017 NBA MVP Russell Westbrook. Yet, the results were just a 34-38 record and an eight-seed in the Eastern Conference.
Beal and Westbrook were bounced out of the first-round of the playoffs in five games by Simmons’ 76ers. The series-clinching Game 5 win came with Embiid sidelined with a knee injury.
Rumors place the aging Westbrook — and his $91.3 million owed over the next two seasons — in Los Angeles with LeBron James and the Lakers. How interested are the Wizards in trading Westbrook remains to be seen. One has to wonder how much Westbrook, who averaged a triple-double this season for the fourth time in his career, is interested in getting out of Washington after one season?
Westbrook would seem like the logical trade piece for Simmons. Simmons still has over $146.7 million and four years left on his contract. He also has a 15% trade kicker in his contract.
Do the Wizards want to get out of paying a 32-year old Westbrook $44.2 million next season? Possibly?! But would they be willing to take on $36-37 million per year for the next four years with a younger but plateaued star such as Simmons?
If for whatever reason, Washington does part with Westbrook, the Lakers are the most logical spot for the LA native at this stage in his career. However, honestly, what the Lakers are willing to part with doesn’t seem appealing. In comparison, Simmons is more attractive than Kyle Kuzma and whoever else they throw in.
Still Simmons’ fit in Washington would be the biggest concern. He’s listed as a point guard, but is he really a point guard? Can he create for others in the halfcourt? Would he be great in Scott Brooks’ fast pace flowing offense even without a jumper? Yes. But, wait, Brooks isn’t coming back, remember?
Simmons isn’t great at all in the half court game. He is a terrible shooter outside of the paint. His 61.3% free throw shooting is actually worse than Westbrook’s 65.6 percent. Not to mention Simmons dipping to 34.2% in the playoffs.
He can’t shoot the three. Better yet, he is afraid to shoot, even dunk at times. Simmons took just 10 threes the entire 2020-21 season.
Not sure bringing in a Ben Simmons will please Bradley Beal, who you’re trying to convince to remain with the franchise. But, in a rebuild, Simmons could be a nice piece to try and develop with a new core.
Wizards general manager Tommy Sheppard is sure to explore the thought. How serious he considers the idea will bank more on the direction the team is headed. And how accepting is Beal to the idea.
So, if Westbrook was at any point frustrating to watch for Wizards fans shooting or going to the line, Simmons is liable to blow your top off. Not to mention, Simmons lacks the dawg and aggression Westbrook has.
Yes, Simmons is still young. He is just 24 years of age. But, it’s very concerning that he will be willing to adjust and improve his weaknesses, which are very glaring.
