Ben Simmons, Philadelphia 76ers, Draymond Green, Golden State Warriors. (Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports)
One NBA insider suggests the Golden State Warriors trade Draymond Green to the Philadelphia 76ers for Ben Simmons.
While appearing on FS1’s First Things First, NBA insider Chris Broussard suggest that if the Golden State Warriors want to deal for Ben Simmons this offseason that Draymond Green has to be heading to the Philadelphia 76ers in a trade.
Golden State has long been thought of as one of the more ideal landing spots for Simmons in a trade. He would pair very nicely alongside sharpshooters Steph Curry and Klay Thompson. The issue is that his game and what Green has to offer are much of the same. Simmons is a better ball-handler, but both are elite defensive players and make smart plays for their teammates.
Broussard said if the Warriors want Simmons, then Green has to be the one go to the 76ers.
Chris Broussard suggests the Warriors trade Draymond Green for Ben Simmons
Of course, Simmons is the better player over Green at this stage of their careers, so the 76ers would command more than Green in a trade. That is why Broussard suggests that the 2020 first-round pick in center James Wiseman be the other player of note going to the 76ers in a blockbuster trade for Simmons. Wiseman is a great talent but does not fit the Warriors’ timeline.
Would this package entice the 76ers? Probably not. While Green is a proven champion and Wiseman is a player with tremendous upside, their best player already thrives in the frontcourt in center Joel Embiid. Defensive spacing and shooting will continue to be an issue for the 76ers. If Philadelphia plans to trade Simmons to Golden State, then the 76ers will need a shooter as well.
Broussard is right though in understanding that Green and Simmons are basketball redundancies.