Ben Simmons has yet to appear in a game for the Sixers this season, and as time goes on, it’s unlikely we ever see him play for the organization ever again.
Simmons has been linked to several teams, including the Timberwolves, Warriors, Kings and Cavaliers, but what if the Bucks got into the mix?
Yes, the Bucks are the defending champions, but they’ve gotten off to a 6-8 start so far, which is a little concerning. They’ve particularly struggled on the defensive end, as they’re ranked 20th in defensive rating. This is all despite having Giannis Antetokounmpo on their team.
Bleacher Report came together and suggested a variety of trades across the league, as they came up with a potential Simmons for Jrue Holiday swap.
Here’s what they had to say:
Pairing Simmons and Antetokounmpo gives Milwaukee perhaps the two most versatile defenders in the league. Both stand at 6’11” and can guard all five positions on the floor.
Holiday would be a breath of fresh air if he returned to Philly, as he’s ready to win now and can do anything Doc Rivers asks of him. He’s already proved capable of thriving next to All-Star big men (Anthony Davis, Antetokounmpo) and would help bring out the best in Joel Embiid.
Pairing Simmons next to Antetokounmpo would be a dream scenario for the Bucks defensively.
However, neither are a threat to really shoot the ball, though Antetokounmpo has improved significantly in that area. As for Simmons, not so much.
In Holiday, the Bucks would lose a 3-point shooting threat, but would add a perimeter defender that can take on guys at every position and be more of a beneficiary of passes by Antetokounmpo inside.
The Bucks also have Khris Middleton, Brook Lopez, Donte DiVincenzo, Grayson Allen and George Hill who can step up as shooters from three.
For the Sixers, this may be the best they can get for Simmons if they hope to win now, but it’s not a bad get.
We know what Holiday can do defensively, but his 3-point shooting will help space the floor out for the Sixers that much more, which would help Joel Embiid do even more damage inside.
Additionally, Holiday could serve as a great mentor to Tyrese Maxey, who is trying to model his game after Holiday.
Holiday also has a strong familiarity with Philadelphia, as he made his only All-Star appearance with this organization back in 2013.
All of this said, it’s unlikely this trade materializes, but stranger things have happened.
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