Pistons trade: How the 76ers’ Ben Simmons can end up in Detroit

Do the Detroit Pistons have enough assets to trade with the Philadelphia 76ers to get Ben Simmons?

Yes, but it must happen fast.

The NBA’s Stepien rule comes into effect. A team can not trade its first-round pick for two years in a row. That means if the Pistons give up this year’s first-rounder (No. 7 overall) they can not give up next year’s.

With the draft scheduled for November 18th, Weaver has until then to throw this offer to Philly for Simmons:

In the salary cap world, draft choices have no monetary value so Scott must be thrown in to balance the books out. As stated previously, he is a good locker room guy and if his shot is on, can contribute.

The Sixers are in ‘win-now’ mode and new coach Doc Rivers is very familiar with Griffin from their Los Angeles Clippers ‘Lob City’ days. Rivers was in charge of the club at the time when it signed Griffin to the max contract deal he is currently on.

Simmons can do a lot thing, except shoot a basketball. His shyness in taking a shot more than five-feet from the basket has frustrated Sixers fans and its coaches .

The 76ers really had no outside shooters to give Simmons room to operate since they got rid of JJ Redick last summer (another brilliant move). That is why they would prize getting Kennard, around a 40-percent-from-three shooter.

Simmons does do a lot of things well. He is a two-time All-Star and was on the All-NBA defensive second team. He can won’t shoot but on the fast break he is like a runaway freight train as he combines great speed with a 6-foot-10, 240-pound frame and is an excellent passer.

Simmons also would give coach Dwane Casey a lot of lineup flexibility. He can play everything from point guard to small-ball center (just not shooting guard). For a young team that emphasizes athleticism, Simmons would fit perfectly with what Detroit wants to build.

Would the Sixers go for this deal? If their crack medical staff feels Griffin is completely recovered, his game fits in much better than Horford’s in the starting lineup. We know Rivers likes his game and he will certainly have a say in the decision.

Kennard helps with their dearth of outside shooters and the Pistons bulk up the 76ers’ cachet of drafts picks. Once sitting on a pile of draft choices after the reign of Sam Hinkie, the Sixers have used up a lot of them in trades.

The Sixers would also be holding the No. 7 and 21 picks in this year’s draft. They could shop them (and Horford) to Oklahoma City for point guard Chris Paul. If in ‘win-now’ mode, Paul is, for this season, arguably an upgrade from Simmons..

Detroit would be adding a budding superstar. Someone to build a franchise around for the next 10 years. They would have a real long-term face of the franchise for the first time in a while.

When the 76ers come calling to Weaver about dumping Horford on them, he will undoubtedly turn them down. However, he can remain on the phone and ask a simple question:

‘Now what would it take to get Simmons? I have an idea.’