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Philadelphia 76ers: 6 teams that should trade for Ben Simmons

By David Esser

Mar 2, 2019; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) is fouled by Philadelphia 76ers guard Ben Simmons (25) while attempting a shot during the fourth quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 2, 2019; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) is fouled by Philadelphia 76ers guard Ben Simmons (25) while attempting a shot during the fourth quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Philadelphia 76ers Oklahoma City Thunder
May 16, 2021; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault watches his team play against the Los Angeles Clippers during the fourth quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Oklahoma City won 117-112. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports /

Oklahoma City Thunder

Here’s an interesting one to consider. Despite OKC’s ability to acquire a war chest of draft picks over the past few seasons, the team largely has zero results to show for it all. Similar to how “The Process” evolved under Sam Hinkie for the Philadelphia 76ers, the Thunder seem more concerned with acquiring as many draft picks as humanly possible, as opposed to actually winning basketball games.

With that said, eventually, the team is going to have to laser their focus in on acquiring some All-Star caliber talent. Point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is close, but he’s yet to take that leap from “really good player” to “great player.”

With so many draft picks at their disposal, the Thunder could easily outbid any team looking to acquire Ben Simmons, and construct their rebuild around Simmons and the handful of rookies they’re set to acquire in the upcoming NBA Draft. At just 24 years of age, Simmons still aligns with the Thunder’s goal of being a contender later down the road.

It’s hard to imagine the Philadelphia 76ers engaging in trade talks with the Thunder for just draft capital, but OKC hypothetically offering Gilgeous-Alexnder in a package would likely interest Morey enough to at least pick up the phone.