23 Sep 2021 14:34:43
UNLIKELY (BUT PLAUSIBLE) BEN SIMMONS TRADE TO THE CLIPPERS

Clippers get:
- Ben Simmons
- Kevin Love
- Cedi Osman

76ers get:
- Collin Sexton
- Marcus Morris Sr.
- Ivica Zubac
- Keon Johnson
- 2028 Clippers unprotected first round pick

Thunder get:
- Luke Kennard
- Serge Ibaka
- 2023 Clippers second round pick
- 2024 Clippers second round pick
- 2025 Clippers second round pick
- 2025 Clippers second round pick (via Pistons)

Cavaliers get:
- Eric Bledsoe

Analysis -

Clippers: They get a top 30 player who gives them a legitimate two-way Big 3 of Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, & Ben Simmons. Instantly, they'd be a popular favorite to win it all. It would be quite the move considering their limited assets. They'd also reak the benefits of whatever Cali native Kevin Love has left in the tank, if he stays healthy.

Sixers: Collin Sexton is an elite scoring guard to replace Simmons offensively. Adding Morris to lineup helps to replace what Simmons provides defensively, while improving their overall floor spacing, as Morris shot 47% from outside last season. Ivica Zubac has become a very good all around big man and would become an exceptional backup to Joel Embiid or injury/rest replacement. Keon Johnson was drafted with the 21st overall selection this past draft, while many had him as a projected lottery pick. An additional unprotected first rounder that far into the future could spell danger for the Clippers and promise for the 76ers.

Thunder: Luke Kennard is 25, a lights out shooter (45% from 3), and will probably grow in a bigger role like the one OKC can grant him. Serge Ibaka returns to the team that drafted him on an expiring contract and provide veteran leadership. The Thunder would be taking on more than $20M on their books operating as a team well under the cap, so they would be gifted a myriad of second round picks for their troubles.

Cavaliers: They would essentially be using Collin Sexton, who is reportedly unlikely to sign a contract extension prior to the season, to salary dump the $40M combined annual salaries of Love and Osman for the next two seasons. In return, they would nab Eric Bledsoe who would subsequently take Sexton's spot in the starting lineup and is essentially on an expiring contract, as he is only owed $4M guaranteed in 2022.

1.) 23 Sep 2021
23 Sep 2021 15:29:04
Our definition of elite is very different. Sexton is growing on me though.

2.) 23 Sep 2021
23 Sep 2021 15:30:32
Eric Bledsoe is a negative contract. The Cavs shouldn't be giving up value to dump Kevin Love.

3.) 23 Sep 2021
23 Sep 2021 15:30:55
Sorry, Cavs are giving up Sexton to get Bledsoe.