Toronto Raptors: Ben Simmons could jumpstart retooling this offseason
The Toronto Raptors should explore the possibility of acquiring Ben Simmons.
Coming off somewhat of a disappointing season in which they failed to make the postseason for the first time in eight years, the Toronto Raptors are facing some tough questions heading into the offseason.
While much of those revolve around Kyle Lowry’s impending free agency, you also can’t help but wonder what the plan is for this franchise moving forward. And those questions regarding whether to rebuild or retool will dictate how this team approaches the offseason.
One name that has recently been linked to the Raptors as of late is Ben Simmons, who is coming off another disappointing showing in the postseason with the Philadelphia 76ers. And if the Sixers are indeed shopping Simmons, it would make sense for the Raptors to at least navigate the trade waters.
More from Sir Charles In Charge
- Dillon Brooks proved his value to Houston Rockets in the 2023 FIBA World Cup
- NBA Trade Rumors: 1 Player from each team most likely to be traded in-season
- Golden State Warriors: Buy or sell Chris Paul being a day 1 starter
- Does Christian Wood make the Los Angeles Lakers a legit contender?
- NBA Power Rankings: Tiering all 30 projected starting point guards for 2023-24
The Raptors have always been a team to monitor the trade market and that shouldn’t change when it comes to Simmons. For as many faults as he has, he’s still considered one of the most complete players in the NBA and is still only 25 years old.
Simmons still has some great basketball ahead of him and it would be irresponsible if the Raptors didn’t explore a trade for him. Especially if the Raptors are looking to shake up their roster in some form or fashion this offseason.
If Lowry is indeed going to move on this offseason, adding a young point guard would be ideal for the Raptors as they move forward to their next era of basketball. Considering Simmons is likely the best young point guard on the open market, Toronto acquiring him does make some sense.
What the Toronto Raptors could offer for Ben Simmons
The Raptors also have some intriguing assets that could get a deal done. Depending on what the Sixers would ultimately want, Toronto has the No. 4 overall pick in this year’s NBA Draft, Fred VanVleet, OG Anunoby, and also several players that could work in a sign-and-trade deal.
Adding Simmons would give the Raptors a head start in their rebuild or retooling and would give this team a foot up on the rest of the Eastern Conference teams that are looking for a hard reset. The Raptors could have a retooled duo of Simmons and Pascal Siakam and then begin to rebuild around them.
Next. NBA Trade Rumors: 3 teams that would be a fit for Pascal Siakam. dark
At the very least, the Raptors should check in and see what the Sixers would want in a potential trade for Simmons. It could end up being the huge retooling move that this team needs to make during the offseason.