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The Philadelphia 76ers had a disappointing exit in the NBA bubble after being swept in their first-round playoff series against the Boston Celtics. The Denver Nuggets finished third in the Western Conference standings, but are likely to come out in the first round as well after being 3-1 down in their series against the Utah Jazz. If the Nuggets are eventually eliminated, the two teams are expected to reorganize their roster in the offseason.
And according to The Ringer’s Jonathan Tjarks, the Nuggets and 76ers should seriously consider making a highly successful deal, which would benefit both teams next season. In his proposed deal, Simmons would target the Nuggets in exchange for a package involving Jamal Murray or Michael Porter Jr.
Tjarks said the Nuggets need to pair Jokic with a player who can defend all five positions, and he thinks Simmons is a perfect fit. He also noted that Simmons, who has the ability to attack the paint with ease due to his size advantage over rival guards, would be a perfect fit with Jokic on the offensive side of the floor.
“Ben Simmons will be a perennial Defensive Team pick for the next decade. He could also be the perfect defensive partner for Jokic,” Tjarks said. “The two would be even more fun to watch on offense. Jokic is not a player who dominates the ball and is more of an offensive threat from the perimeter than Joel Embiid. Imagine the space Simmons would have to attack from the dribble with Jokic coming to the 3-point line, or how Jokic was able to find Simmons as a cutter from the high post, or how they could push the ball together at Denver’s Mile High altitude. “
Giving up Murray or Porter would be a tough decision for the Nuggets because both players are showing their oozing potential within the NBA bubble. Murray is arguably one of the best shooting guards since the NBA restart, as he was able to take his offensive game to another level. In the first five games of the series against the Jazz, the 23-year-old point guard averaged 30.8 points to go along with 6.8 assists and 6.4 rebounds per game.
But if the Nuggets really want to get another star, they must give up a lot as well. By getting Murray, the 76ers would land a player who will likely be a better partner for Embiid than Simmons. Simmons is not known for his outdoor shooting, while Murray can definitely space the floor. Tjarks said Porter would also be an ideal target for the Nuggets should Denver decide to keep Murray.
“The oversized wings with their ability to shoot and score with dribbling don’t happen often,” Tjarks said. “Both would be better offensive compliments for Embiid than for Simmons. A healthy and committed Embiid could also do more than Jokic to protect Murray or Porter, neither of whom projects as closer, on defense. The 76ers would probably demand both in any potential deal. But the Nuggets should be able to hold the line to just one. “
It’s worth noting that 76ers general manager Elton Brand has publicly said that he will not trade Embiid and Simmons in the offseason. However, the 76ers are looking for a new coach, who could possibly change their stance on keeping their superstar duo. Tjarks thinks trading Simmons or Embiid makes sense for the 76ers because they are likely to continue to lose in the first or second round of the playoffs if they keep them.
“Philadelphia will have to leave Simmons or Joel Embiid behind eventually,” Tjarks insisted. “His current team will need nothing less than a miracle to win a championship. And the Sixers won’t be able to get any good players back for Al Horford or Tobias Harris because of their oversized contracts.”
Chicago Bulls should chase Joel Embiid
If the Philadelphia 76ers decide to break up their superstar duo, Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz thinks the Chicago Bulls should go after Embiid. The Bulls renewed their headquarters this season, naming Arturas Karnisovas as the new executive vice president of basketball operations and Marc Eversley as the new general manager. His new main office aims to end Chicago’s misery.
However, the Bulls are in no rush, as one of their goals is to make a splash in 2021 free agency. However, Swartz said Chicago should aim to make the playoffs next season to become an attractive free agency destination. . He is convinced that trading for Embiid would do wonders for the Bulls. He said Embiid would even become a better player in Chicago because of the Bulls’ current core.
Putting a spacer power forward on the floor on Lauri Markkanen and some happy three-point guards on Zach LaVine and Coby White around him would help maximize his room to work inside the arc, and his elite defensive potential could wipe out a lot. poor teams play on that end of the court, “said Swartz. “For free agents considering joining Chicago in 2021, having one of the best centers in the game as a point of sale would also be a great recruiting tool.”
Embiid saw his numbers drop this season from 27.5 points and 13.6 rebounds to 23.0 points and 11.6 rebounds, but it is likely due to his shorter playing time, from 33.7 minutes to 29.5. this season. Safety won’t be a problem for the Bulls either because the 26-year-old center still has three seasons left on his contract.
Philadelphia 76ers should target Chris Paul if they keep the superstar duo
If Sixers general manager Elton Brand is serious about sticking with Embiid and Simmons, Swartz said Philadelphia should switch to another star player. The 76ers actually have other “stars” on the roster like Tobias Harris and Al Horford, but their performance this season could be enough to show that their current roster needs an overhaul.
Swartz said the 76ers should trade for Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Chris Paul. The superstar point guard is nowhere near his prime, but he led the Thunder’s young team to the playoffs this season. It’s not clear what Paul’s asking price is, but Swartz is convinced trading for a veteran playmaker makes perfect sense for Philadelphia.
“If the Sixers plan to keep Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid, they will probably need another ball handler,” Swartz said. “Paul may have been in his prime at 35, but he has led the Thunder to the playoffs this season and changed the culture in what many assumed would be a rebuilding year at OKC. The Sixers desperately need a makeover. , and Paul would only need to serve as a table presenter and costume leader. “
In 70 games for the Thunder this season, Paul averaged 17.6 points on 48.9 percent shooting from the field to go along with 6.7 assists, 5.0 rebounds and 1.6 steals per game. His leadership has also been praised in the league, making the Thunder a playoff contender despite having a young supporting cast around him. Paul was traded to the Thunder after the team had to move superstars Russell Westbrook and Paul George.
Sacramento Kings should trade Buddy Hield
The Sacramento Kings will re-enter a new era after general manager Vlade Divac and assistant general manager Peja Stojakovic step down after their disappointing campaign inside the NBA bubble. Sacramento’s roster needs an overhaul if they want to at least compete for a playoff spot next season.
According to Mandela Namaste of Bleacher Report, Sacramento should buy veteran guard Buddy Hield. The 27-year-old point guard is coming off a good season for the Kings, recording 19.2 points and 4.6 rebounds per game. However, the former Oklahoma standout is reportedly unhappy with his role as a bank.
In 72 games this season, he started just 44 games for Sacramento. Joe Dumars, who replaced Divac, could find a way to make him happy again, but his role is unlikely to change because the Kings have made no secret that they will prioritize keeping restricted free agent Bogdan Bogdanovic, who plays the same role. . a shield. If Hield remains unhappy, Namaste said the Kings should trade him for a player who could improve his depth at other positions.
“Perhaps Hield’s problems with the Kings were specifically due to the presence of Vlade Divac, and the arrival of Dumars will smooth things out. Considering the lack of depth in other positions on Sacramento’s roster, have two starting-caliber guards. it means one should be moved, “Namaste said. “Hield’s already checkered history with the franchise makes him a more obvious choice than Bogdanovic.”
The Kings will have no shortage of potential business partners according to Namaste. He thinks the Philadelphia 76ers would be interested in acquiring the former sixth overall pick. Namaste also mentioned the Dallas Mavericks and New York Knicks as possible destinations, considering the fact that both teams need shooters on the roster.
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