Chicago Bulls: 3 trades to consider with 2021 playoff teams

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The Chicago Bulls could attempt a trade for Ben Simmons

One of the hottest topics this coming offseason will be whether or not the Philadelphia 76ers decide to move on from point guard Ben Simmons. After a disappointing Game 7 loss to the Atlanta Hawks, the Sixers face some difficult realities.

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Simmons seems to be out of favor in Philadelphia, especially after Doc Rivers declining to answer a question about whether Simmons is a championship-caliber point guard. Now, all signs point to the 76ers trading Simmons.

It may be more difficult than some think for this to happen, because Simmons was atrocious in the playoffs — at least, when it came to scoring. In every facet of scoring, in fact, Simmons failed to impress. His free throw shooting was some of the worst in NBA playoff history at just 34%.

Now, Philadelphia has to figure out how to trade a guy whose contract doesn’t expire for four more years and pays him $40 million in that final season. If the Bulls were to try and go after him, they would undoubtedly try and hang onto Nikola Vucevic and Zach LaVine.

Some trade scenarios have the Bulls swapping LaVine for Simmons, but I do not believe that’s a sensible deal for the Bulls. Keeping LaVine would be important, here. Therefore, the Bulls may just part with other salaries and maybe a first rounder

Simmons is still a highly talented player. He’s brilliant on defense and when it comes to facilitating. His biggest problem comes when it’s time to put the ball in the bucket. If it’s a confidence issue, one may wonder if Billy Donovan isn’t the right coach to help get the most out of his talent.

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