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

New Orleans Pelicans: Trading for Ben Simmons

Here is a trade that I would consider “low cost” and might get the 76ers attention, though I imagine they will have several suitors for Ben Simmons if they make him available.

In this trade, the Pelicans jettison veterans Eric Bledsoe and Steven Adams, who weren’t the best fits with Zion Williamson, especially Bledsoe, who doesn’t provide shooting or defense.

They also give up the first round pick they are owed from the Lakers next season, which will not likely be in the top-20 unless the Lakers fall apart.

The Pelicans get a big defender to put with Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, giving them a pretty amazing and diverse “Big 3” that would still need a lot of help.

The Pelicans would do this to get the defense they need and to take a risk on a high-ceiling talent who has made three All-Star appearances in his four years in the league. It would give them three All-Stars under the age of 25 and should vastly improve the defense.

The 76ers would do this to clear cap space and to get out from Simmons’ huge contract, which runs through the 2024-25 season.

I don’t think this trade is going to happen, but if the Pelicans could get an All-Star talent without giving up much, they’d have to at least consider it.