Stephen A. Smith: Sixers Should Trade Ben Simmons to Portland for CJ McCollum
Ben Simmons time in Philadelphia could be up after his playoff debacle that contributed to the 76ers second round exit. First Take’s Stephen A. Smith thinks Philly should go after CJ McCollum.
Simmons was basically a non-factor in the fourth quarter’s of the seven games against Atlanta. He may have contributed on defense, but his complete lack of offense pretty much nullified any good he did on defense.
Ben Simmons 4th quarter this series:
Game 1: 2-2 FG
Game 2: 0-0 FG
Game 3: 1-1 FG
Game 4: 0-0 FG
Game 5: 0-0 FG
Game 6: 0-0 FG
Game 7: 0-0 FG— Tom Haberstroh (@tomhaberstroh) June 21, 2021
Former star player and one-time executive for the Lakers Magic Johnson agreed with Smith. However, Max Kellerman sees McCollum as a sign that Simmons’ trade value has dropped.
Not included in the YouTube clip is Smith admitting some of his Portland sources are not interested in Simmons after his disastrous performance in the playoffs.
“I just got it on good authority, they were watching the game last night in Portland there’s a few people there that would not want Ben Simmons,” Smith said while laughing with Johnson. “I thought it was important to mention that Magic while you were here that they’re like ‘NO! No, no, no, we watched the game last night, just like you did.'”
There’s no debate, Simmons is currently a liability on offense like McCollum can be a liability on defense. However, they both excel where the other struggles.
Would it be worthwhile for Portland to trade the offensively talented McCollum for a two-time All-Defensive first teamer in Simmons? It’s certainly worth a thought even if it never happens.
