5 teams that could benefit by trading for Ben Simmons from the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2021 NBA off-season

#3 San Antonio Spurs

San Antonio Spurs forward DeMar DeRozan

The Philadelphia 76ers could certainly boost their scoring arsenal by making a deal with the San Antonio Spurs in the offseason. By sending Ben Simmons West, the Sixers could receive free agent DeMar DeRozan via a sign-and-trade with another player, such as shooting guard Lonnie Walker IV.

Ben Simmons needs a fresh start and what better set to do so in than with one of the greatest NBA coaches in history in Gregg Popovich. They have an exciting, developing roster that could be centered around the 24-year-old as the spearhead. Bringing him in while not losing DeRozan on a free would be a huge win for the Spurs, who could utilize his ability to find open scorers.

As for Philly, they would receive a versatile player in DeRozan who has been one of the most consistent scorers since entering the league. He has averaged over 20 points a game throughout his career and shoots at over 83% from the free-throw line. He has also improved his creativity in San Antonio and averaged a personal-best 6.9 assists per matchup this season.

#2 New York Knicks

New York Knicks v Los Angeles Lakers

One of the most-obvious sides in a trade deal for Ben Simmons is the New York Knicks. The franchise has enjoyed a revival under head coach Tom Thibodeau, with a return to the playoffs. They dominated the league on defense this year, a system that Simmons could fit into flawlessly.

There is widespread suggestion that the Knicks could part ways with Elfrid Payton in the offseason. They could be looking to bring in a new point guard or advance Immanuel Quickeley's importance. The Knicks could, therefore, build a backcourt for the future with Quickeley alongside Simmons, as well as Derrick Rose as backup.

The Knicks are reported to have as much as $50m in cap space, however, they have few legitimate options they could offer the Philadelphia 76ers for Ben Simmons. They could offer a back-up center to Embiid such as Mitchell Robinson and future draft picks, though that may not be enough. It all depends on how badly Morey wants to part ways with his man.

#1 Portland Trail Blazers

Portland Trail Blazers guard CJ McCollum

As NBA trade rumors began to circulate surrounding Ben Simmons' future, one team that consistently came up was the Portland Trail Blazers. And for good reason. A deal involving Simmons for Blazers guard CJ McCollum makes a lot of sense for both teams.

Career-high in points & assists per game.@CJMcCollum Season Mixtape 💿 💿#CJDay pic.twitter.com/19YqHOzIEd

— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) June 17, 2021

Ben Simmons would radically improve Portland's defensive standing, something they struggled with in the playoffs and could be the perfect partner for Damian Lillard. Lillard is one of the elite scorers in the league and ball handlers, which would draw attention away from Simmons' guard duties and allow him to do what he does best. The two could form a similar duo to that of Steph Curry and Draymond Green, who have dominated the league for years.

Although the Sixers will be bringing in a player who can create his own shot, a defensive backcourt between said player and Seth Curry makes the deal less appealing to Daryl Morey. Instead, the Trail Blazers may have to offer more to prize Ben Simmons away.