NBA Trade Options: 5 teams that should target Philadelphia 76ers star Ben Simmons this off-season

After yet another disappointing postseason, the Philadelphia 76ers have reportedly decided to pull the plug on "The Process", according to numerous NBA trade rumors. However, the 76ers are still on the fence about whom to choose between Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons, with each player seemingly standing an equal chance of being traded away this off-season.

On that note, let's have a look at the five teams who are likely to go for Ben Simmons this off-season.

NBA Trade Rumors: 5 teams that should target Philadelphia 76ers star Ben Simmons this off-season

For this list, we have considered teams based on how well the Philadelphia 76ers star is likely to fit in there regardless of what trade these teams could offer to the 76ers in return. With that in mind, let's get started.

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#5 Atlanta Hawks

Ben Simmons would be the perfect player for the Atlanta Hawks.

Ben Simmons is an elite passer and an All-NBA caliber defender. As he tends to struggle with his shooting, he would ideally like to play with a team that can space the floor. Considering the same, the Atlanta Hawks could be the perfect team for Simmons.

While the franchise already has a point-guard in Trae Young, he could be moved to the 2 to accommodate Simmons. That would allow the Philadelphia 76ers star to be the court general while Youn plays off-ball, which could in turn enable the former to become a more efficient shooter.

Trae Young in the NBA HORSE Challenge should be fun tomorrow 👀🍿pic.twitter.com/BNmK4byM82 (via @NBA)

— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) April 11, 2020

However, the real reason the Hawks could want Ben Simmons is for his defensive abilities. The franchise's lackluster defense has meant that the team has been out of the NBA Playoff picture for a while.

Adding Ben Simmons to their roster would not only boost their quality at both ends but could perhaps also make them a more competitive team.

#4 Portland Trail Blazers

Portland Trail Blazers could become a contender with Ben Simmons.

The Portland Trail Blazers are another team that is incredibly gifted at the offensive end but seems to suffer because of their defensive fallibilities. But unlike the Atlanta Hawks, Ben Simmons would not be s part of this team's backcourt if he moves to this franchise.

With the one and two occupied by Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum respectively, the Philadelphia 76ers star would have to take up the small forward position in the team, a role he has thrived in under Brett Brown.

Damian Lillard’s deep three and dance is the #ULTRAMoment of the week! #TrailBlazersMoment @MichelobULTRA pic.twitter.com/s5hTJ3IT6D

— NBA (@NBA) August 23, 2020

The addition of Ben Simmons could make the Trail Blazers more resilient and perhaps even make the team a contender for an NBA Championship in the near future.

Considering the same, the Portland Trail Blazers must do whatever they can to acquire the Philadelphia 76ers star.

#3 Miami Heat

The Miami Heat could become even more formidable with Ben Simmons on board.

The Miami Heat, already a very impressive team, have reached the 2020 NBA Finals. But the fact remains that there are still some significant holes to fill in their roster.

Defense has been one of the team's biggest problems, with Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo the only starters who are elite defenders.

First-time NBA All-Star in his 3rd season, @Bam1of1 brings the energy for the @MiamiHEAT! Watch Game 6 Sunday at 7:30 PM ET on ABC. #NBAFinals pic.twitter.com/GzzAP5dTG9

— NBA (@NBA) October 11, 2020

The acquisition of Ben Simmons could not only significantly boost the team's defense but would also resolve their long-term point-guard worries as Goran Dragic becomes a free agent this off-season.

If the Miami Heat acquires the Philadelphia 76ers star, the team could become one of the most formidable in the NBA next season.

#2 Denver Nuggets

The Denver Nuggets need a player like Ben Simmons.

The Denver Nuggets were one of the most impressive teams in the 2020 NBA Playoffs but ultimately fell short against the LA Lakers in the Conference finals.

A big reason behind the team's loss was the absence of a defensive stalwart who could also have an impact in offense. However, if the team were to acquire the Philadelphia 76ers star, that problem would vanish instantly.

With their defense boosted and the offense getting sturdier, the Denver Nuggets could become a team that could contend for the NBA Championships for years to come.

#1 Golden State Warriors

The Golden State Warriors could have another indomitable big-three with Ben Simmons.

It is no secret that the Golden State Warriors will return as a formidable force in the West next season, but the side also severely lacks in defense as well as a third option that can lead the team.

The Klay Thompson return gonna be SPECIAL 💫 @KlayThompson (via @NBA) pic.twitter.com/aaQG7vyeb5

— Overtime (@overtime) September 26, 2020

Ben Simmons could be that player for the Golden State Warriors as the Philadelphia 76ers star not only has the caliber to be the third option but can also be the team's cornerstone at the defensive end.

If the Golden State Warriors were to acquire Ben Simmons this off-season, we could see the franchise becoming an indomitable super team once again.

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