Pelicans: If the price is right, a Ben Simmons trade makes sense

Is Ben Simmons a fit with the New Orleans Pelicans?

Before we get into a hypothetical trade, it’s probably a good idea to ask if this is even a good fit. The answer is yes and no.

No, Simmons is not a fit with the team as currently constructed, but yes, he could be with the right roster makeover that would obviously have to include adding a lot of shooters to surround Ben Simmons and Zion Williamson.

It also depends on what the Pelicans would have to give up to get him, as they have a few veteran contracts that they would love to move. Simmons is one of the best defensive players in the NBA, so would help the Pelicans’ woeful defense, but he isn’t going to do much to help their awful 3-point shooting.

Also, the Pels already have a big point guard in Zion, so Simmons would have to play center or power forward to make it work offensively, which he might not be willing to do. I do like the idea of just running with a small and versatile team, especially with Simmons, who can cover a lot of ground defensively.

The short answer is that it might be able to work, but it wouldn’t be worth the risk unless the price was low.

So what would a “low cost” trade look like? Easy.