The Portland Trail Blazers trade with the Philadelphia 76ers and Sacramento Kings
Why this trade works for the Blazers:
As the Blazers traded away their 2022 first-round pick with protections to the Chicago Bulls in the Larry Nance Jr. move, they’d have to renegotiate the terms of that pick in order to make this and the other two deals work.
While this certainly isn’t the blockbuster return most fans would expect, it’s a solid deal that does increase Portland’s title odds.
Harrison Barnes is a requisite 3-and-D small forward, who’s shot 39 percent from deep since the start of the 2018-2019 season while taking nearly four attempts per game according to statmuse. Barnes has the prototypical size to be able to matchup against the top forwards in the league and is quick enough to provide the Blazers with the “switchability” they’ve been sorely lacking on defense.
They also add exciting guard prospect, Davion Mitchell, who could provide the ballhandling and playmaking Portland desperately needs off the pine. Damon Jones is a solid third center as insurance in the case Jusuf Nurkic or Cody Zeller comes down with an injury next season, a highly likely scenario.
Why this trade works for the 76ers:
The Philadelphia 76ers needs a perimeter shot creator to generate points out of thin air when their oversized offense bogs down. CJ McCollum is just that. He can take over the closer role that Jimmy Butler once held in Philly and can get the ball to Joel Embiid and Tobias Harris in the other three quarters of the game.
Elite shot creation is exactly what the Sixers need and is also exactly what McCollum brings to the table. They also come away with two first-round picks, which is more than generous for the value that Simmons currently holds in league circles.
Why this trade works for the Kings:
The Sacramento Kings desperately need a shakeup. They’ve been attempting to reach the postseason again for a decade and a half and it seems like they’re getting further from their goal rather than closer.
The Kings got good value with the ninth-overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, but Mitchell is the farthest thing from what Sac-Town needs. They’re overloaded with talented guards—traditionally-sized ones at least.
No matter how well Simmons may fit with their current roster, the Kings should be trying to load up on desirable assets and despite what recent history or Twitter might say, Ben Simmons is still a very coveted talent.
A core of De’Aaron Fox, Tyrese Haliburton, and Ben Simmons is a pretty good place to launch a mini-rebuild.