The Sixers are 6-3 following their win on Sunday night over Charlotte Hornets, a pretty good record when you consider they have already had to make a tough trip through the Western Conference.
Still, some don't believe this Sixers' team is built to win it all this season -- and that trading away one of their best players might be answer to improving their chances.
Speaking on the Radio.com podcast Scal and Pals, former NBA player and current analyst Kendrick Perkins made it clear that he believes the Sixers should not only trade Ben Simmons, but that the team made a mistake picking Simmons over Jimmy Butler this past offseason.
"I would consider trying to move Ben Simmons," Perkins said. "I just don't see that working one bit."
Here is the full video:
"I would, I would try to trade [Ben Simmons>. I would definitely try to, I would try to move him... I just don't see that working. I don't see it working one bit." - Kendrick Perkins pic.twitter.com/4yELGOWsjl
— Spike Eskin (@SpikeEskin) November 8, 2019Simmons is having a solid start to the season, but is averaging a career-low 13.1 points to go along with 6.9 assists and 5.4 rebounds. He is still refusing to shoot the ball anywhere but inside the paint, an issue that has hurt this team in the playoffs the last two seasons.
Trading Simmons should not be ruled out at some point, but it would not be easy for two reasons. First, he is making just over $8 million this season, meaning he is currently paid considerably less than most players the Sixers would be willing to trade him for. Trading him next season, when he salary jumps to a max-level, would be easier.
Second, Simmons is such a unique player, finding a deal that made sense for the Sixers would be tough. For all of his flaws, Simmons is still already arguably an elite player, and rarely do elite players get traded for equal value. So the team trading Simmons likely isn't even being discussed in the team's front office -- yet.
The Sixers next play at home against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday night.
