NBA Trade Deadline Roundtable: Ben Simmons on the move; bold predictions

If traded, where will Ben Simmons land?

Saenz: If Ben Simmons gets traded, I’m going to lean toward the Brooklyn Nets being the landing spot.

Knitzer: Minnesota. If the Kings are finally out on Daryl Morey’s demands – as reported for weeks – Minnesota is really the only team with draft capital and a clear need for Simmons’ skillset – on both ends of the court.

Bernal: Sacramento Kings. Before Friday’s bombshell from The Athletics’ Shams Charania that the Sixers and the Brooklyn Nets were beginning negotiations over a potential Simmons-James Harden swap, I was fairly convinced that the Kings’ recent protestations that they were no longer interested in negotiations was merely public posturing in the leadup to a deal. Now I’m not so certain.

Still, even if this feels like a coin-flip, I’d venture to guess that the Kings remain the most likely destination for Simmons. Not only do they have the greater need for an organization shake-up, but you could still make the argument that the best possible version of the Nets remains having Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Kyrie Irving on the floor. While switching out Harden for Simmons isn’t a bad plan B, I’m not convinced Brooklyn has given up on plan A yet.

Mcewen: I do not think he’s getting moved right now, more likely this summer in a swap with the Nets for James Harden. If he does get dealt, Washington will be his landing spot. Because Bradley Beal is finally open to a trade, I think Simmons is the best player they’ll be able to land and Beal is by far the best player the Sixers will be able to net for Simmons.