Portland Trail Blazers: 3-team trade for Kyle Anderson and Dillon Brooks
By Andy Quach
Why this trade works for the Memphis Grizzlies
The Memphis Grizzlies have some solid foundational pieces already onboard—most notably young stars Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr.
Morant alone has brought this squad back to borderline playoff contention, but with the way the rest of the Western Conference has shaped up, it makes more sense to slow down their rebuild and continue to accumulate assets.
Ben Simmons could be the perfect piece to add to their already acquired infinity stones. This team was meant to play fast on offense and clamp down on defense. Simmons does both of those things well.
He and Morant would make a dangerous pick-and-roll combo, with Simmons acting as an uber-athletic roll man who can also find dimes on the run. JJJ is a true floor-spacing big and would fit perfectly next to the non-shooting oversized point guard.
This trade would create one of the most lethal young cores in the NBA and Memphis has the opportunity to do it for a low, low price in comparison.
Why this trade works for the Philadelphia 76ers
Ben Simmons’s relationship with the Philadelphia 76ers seems beyond repair. The Australian’s fit with co-star center Joel Embiid doesn’t work on or off the court. This is a rare breakup that would actually be the best decision for both parties involved.
In return for Simmons, the 76ers would be adding what they’ve needed since Jimmy Butler skipped town; a true shot creator.
CJ McCollum has his flaws, but his flaws are well accounted for by the rest of the Sixers roster and his strengths perfectly fill in the gaps for Philly.
In this move, they acquire an elite scorer who can create for himself and others, while capable of putting the ball in the hoop from every spot on the floor. A CJ-Embiid pick-and-roll would be a fearsome sight for the rest of the league. They also add three first-round picks in the upcoming draft to shore up the few weak spots remaining in their roster.