NBA: 10 bold predictions for the 2021-22 season

NBA bold predictions for 2021-22: The Indiana Pacers Trade for Ben Simmons 

The whole Ben Simmons situation has reached a point that the NBA has never really seen which is saying something.

Simmons will not report to training camp and intends to never play another game for the Sixers franchise. Simmons hasn’t spoken to the team since a late August meeting when he communicated this message with Sixers officials.

Just recently, Joel Embiid called the Ben Simmons situation “weird, disappointing and borderline disrespectful to all the guys that are out here fighting for their lives.”

Nothing is impossible in this league but it seems highly unlikely that Simmons will ever suit up again for Philly.

A trade could happen at any moment but a source close to Simmons told ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne that “we’re in for a long haul.” With that knowledge in hand, a deal won’t get done for a while. The question then becomes what team would actually trade for Simmons?

The Cleveland Cavaliers, the Minnesota Timberwolves, Toronto Raptors, and the San Antonio Spurs have been four teams rumored to make a run at the 25-year-old star. However, Simmons has let it be known that he wants to play in California for either of the Los Angeles Teams (Lakers or Clippers) or the Golden State Warriors.

Sixers general manager Daryl Morey supposedly wants a massive haul for Simmons that includes four future first-round picks and an all-star level player in return. That’s not going to happen though.

There is no way that a team would give up that much for a player who, despite being an all-star, hasn’t gotten any better since he entered the league and is a liability in the playoffs. So what’s Philly’s next best option for competing right now? Well, I think it’s what ESPN’s Brian Windhorst described as the “Sleeper” team in Simmons trade talks: the Indiana Pacers.

Out of all the teams rumored to want Simmons, the Pacers have the best package for the Sixers that will allow Philly to stay near the top of the Eastern Conference. The reason for this is due to Malcolm Brogdon.

The 28-year-old put up career numbers last season in Indy, averaging 21.2 points per game, 5.9 assists per game, and 5.3 rebounds per game, with shooting splits of 49/52/86. Brogdon would be a perfect fit alongside Embiid, as he’s already proved he can work well with a Big playing with Domantas Sabonis. Also, Brogdon may not be the defender Simmons is but he certainly isn’t bad on the defensive end of the floor. In fact, he’s one of the better perimeter defenders in the league.

I think a deal that sends Brogdon and Caris LeVert, who hasn’t quite fit in Indiana, or TJ Warren for Simmons would benefit both teams. The Sixers would remain in contention and the Pacers get a star player they would normally not be able to get in free agency.

There will still be questions about Simmons’ play but I actually think Simmons would be a perfect fit with Sabonis in Indiana. Sabonis is what I like to call “Jokic light.” He does all the things the reigning MVP does just not as well as the Joker. That’s not to say that Sabonis isn’t a great player. He is! He’s coming off a career year in which he just made his first all-star game. I think Sabonis’ perimeter shooting and passing ability will only elevate the play of Simmons.

You heard it here first: Simmons to Indiana! Mark it down!