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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 San Antonio Spurs
May 16, 2021; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich screams out to players in the fourth quarter against the Phoenix Suns at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports /

San Antonio Spurs

One of the current top landing spots for Ben Simmons this offseason according to some of the national oddsmakers, there’s already been a good amount of smoke surrounding San Antonio and the Philadelphia 76ers 2x All-Star. A recent report which cited that “[Gregg Popovich] would trade anyone on the Spurs roster for Ben Simmons” was redacted this past week due to it not being 100% reliable, but wasn’t totally deemed illogical or incorrect.

Simmons is the type of mold of player that Popovich has tended to appreciate in the past, and Pop’s past relationship with former assistant/Sixers head coach Brett Brown is a link to consider as well.

Popovich has had previous success working with more unorthodox players like Tony Parker and Manu Ginoboli, and is largely credited for the offensive development that Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green experienced during the early stages of their NBA careers. If there’s anyone who truly believes he can get Simmons to start taking jump-shots, it’s Pop.

Popovich is also likely nearing the closing days of his professional coaching career, and is presumably pretty open to the idea of “trading the farm” for a proven All-Star. I’m not so sure the Spurs have a realistic trade package to offer the Philadelphia 76ers, one that could actually land Simmons, but my best bet is that they’ll still try.