The stage for the Eastern Conference Finals couldn’t have gotten any better, with the Philadelphia 76’ers and the Brooklyn Nets favored to face off in an intense matchup. But, in a season that continues to surprise us, neither made it to the ECF. The 2021 season saw both franchises fall short, as superstars like Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons, Kevin Durant, and James Harden never made it through the season because of injuries.
And even though both their campaigns ended in the 2nd round, the vibes around both camps will be polar opposites! While the outcome of the Brooklyn-Milwaukee series came down to a matter of a few inches, Philadelphia arguably choked against a young Atlanta roster, they should have beaten in 5 games.
Philadelphia’s series vs Atlanta was disappointing. The Sixers choked with a 3-2 lead, failing to close out Ice-Trae and his boys in consecutive games. Following the flame-out, signs of the imploding roster were rising. In fact, All-star Ben Simmons bore most of the brunt for his abysmal performance.
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Following successive post-season burnouts, Sixers GM Daryl Morey faces some tough choices. Does he give this roster another crack? or does he blow up the current set-up while shopping for a star free agent?
Shopping Ben Simmons
With a rising distort between all-star Ben Simmons with head coach Doc Rivers and Joel Embiid, Simmons could well be on the move. While the trade season is still afar, Sixers fans have already set the ball rolling, with trade proposals for Simmons.
One such offer hypothetically offers a trade package for Nets superstar Kyrie Irving. Brooklyn being an offensive juggernaut was vulnerable defensively, and trading for Ben Simmons would be the perfect solution. With KD and Harden to bear the offensive load, Simmons’ primary focus in this scenario would be the defensive anchor.
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The all-star’s passing, and ability to facilitate the offense makes him an ideal swap for Irving who is an offensive mastermind.
The Kyrie Irving conundrum
While highly unlikely, the path to signing Kyrie includes trading away Simmons, Guard Shake Milton, and Point guard Tyrese Maxey and the 2021 & 2023 first-round picks. However, Sixers GM Daryl Morey may not be all on board for trading the field in dealing for a star like Irving, who does not really fit in Philadelphia’s “trust the process” culture.
If Irving’s behavior off-the-court were to result in Shaun Marks orchestrating a trade this season, Brooklyn could easily receive multiple lucrative offers similar to this one. But, a swap judged purely on the skills and team requirements, highlights that this may be the best solution.
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Simmons, currently averaging 14.3ppg/7.2rpg/6.9apg fits like a hand in glove in Brooklyn with his all-around skill. In fact, s0 does Kyrie as a bonafide PG superstar averaging 26.9ppg/4.8rpg/6apg in 2021.
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Considering the growing resentment between the 76’ers and its point guard, does the front office look to move Simmons at all costs, or do they hold him out for a trade deal worth the return?
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