Section 215
Fansided

Philadelphia 76ers: 7 players Daryl Morey could trade Ben Simmons for

By David Esser

PORTLAND, OREGON - JUNE 03: CJ McCollum #3 and Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers react in the fourth quarter against the Denver Nuggets during Round 1, Game 6 of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Moda Center on June 03, 2021 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OREGON - JUNE 03: CJ McCollum #3 and Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers react in the fourth quarter against the Denver Nuggets during Round 1, Game 6 of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Moda Center on June 03, 2021 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images) /
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Philadelphia 76ers Russell Westbrook
Jun 2, 2021; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Washington Wizards guard Russell Westbrook (4) dribbles the ball up court against the Philadelphia 76ers during the fourth quarter in game five of the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

Russell Westbrook, Washington Wizards

Keeping things in the nation’s capital, Russell Westbrook is the far less attractive guard on the Wizards likely set to be available in trade conversations this offseason. I personally have zero interest in seeing a soon-to-be 33 year old Russ suiting up for the Philadelphia 76ers next year, but there’s a relationship in place with Daryl Morey dating back to the pair’s Houston days, and Philly and DC are likely to be chatting quite a bit this summer in regards to trades.

If Washington is interested in Simmons, but won’t part ways with Beal, Westbrook could end up being the consolation prize Morey settles for.

Westbrook has a lengthy track record of high statistical production, but his fit alongside someone like Embiid would be questionable at best. Westbrook isn’t afraid to shoot the basketball, but isn’t actually all that good at it. He shot 31.5% from three this past season, which is not what the Sixers need on their roster moving forward.

It’s also worth highlighting that Embiid and Russ haven’t had the best of on-court relationships in the past. If the goal this offseason is to surround Embiid with talent and keep him happy, swapping Simmons for Westbrook doesn’t particularly accomplish that.

The only reason I’m really including Westbrook on this list is due to the in-place relationship with Daryl Morey, as he’s shown a consistency of targeting personal favorites in the past.