We going for AD... Anthony Davis and Solomon Hill for Evan Turner, Moe Harkless, Zach Collins, Anfernee Simons, 2019/2021 1st round draft picks
David Griffin is also a noted fan of Simons and Zach would be a great fit with Zion. Most NBA fans would laugh at the notion that this is a real offer that NOP would consider, but I don't think it's totally out of the realm of possibility.
I think Simons was a steal at where we got him. He arguably has as much potential as anyone else who might go #4 this year. Simons, Zach and #25 ( and ending contracts) no doubt has value.
There won't be any major change because we don't have the assets to do so. A late 1st in what they say is one of the least deep drafts and some role players with very bad contracts. Not sure how you expect to get guys like Aaron Gordon, Jrue Holiday etc with that. Their teams can find way better offers if they want to. Only way to get a great player is by trading CJ but lets not pretend that this is gonna happen. CJ will stay. I just hope we can keep Hood with the MLE which is ok and I believe we will keep Layman with the QO. Then we fill spots with minimums and hopefully guys like O'Quinn etc. Lillard CJ, Simons, Trent Harkless, Turner Collins, Labisierre Nurkic, Leonard This team doesn't look great for sure, but I don't believe it can get much better than this till February. At trade deadline yes a lot can change since contracts like Turner, Harkless and Meyers are tradeable for veterans from tanking teams. Too bad we have wasted every 2nd round pick imaginable though so we will have to give up a 1st and that is almost never worth it since those guys will not make some huge dif. All in all next season we stay put and wait for summer of 2020 when there will be some good cap space. This means don't commit any money to Aminu right now unless it's like 5M so that he can serve as backup. If I see some 40M/4 years I ll go kill Olshey seriously.
Simmons threw around the idea of a CJ for Ben Simmons + filler deal on his pod today. I LOVE this. I have an irrational level of faith in Simmons turning into the next Magic/Lebron/Giannis. If you go back just one summer, this trade woulda been ridiculed to no end. Simmons was considered a transcendent player and CJ was an overrated chucker who could never max his talent next to Dame. Simmons will eventually find a shot but even now, if you stick him with Dame-Collins-Nurk-another shooting threat, that team would be so hard to guard. And the size and defense would be incredible.
I'd do it but I hate it. Simmons would be like ET in the Stottsfense. If this was possible I'd rather use Simmons to get Anthony Davis. Zion and Simmons would make an intriguing tandem for the Pelicans. Blazers add the defensive presence you're alluding to but also a much better offensive player and one that won't need to take the ball out of Dame's hands.
Simmons is one dude I'd be completely comfortable with the ball in his hands over. It would be like Draymond/Steph. Was watching Giannis throw dimes to his teammates and suck in defenses last few games, only to have his teammates struggle from not having a second dynamic scoring threat. I thought how amazing it would be to pair a threat like him with Dame. Ben is the next closest thing to Giannis-- not AS physically imposing, but the same skillset. And I'd say Ben is a far better player than Giannis is now. And Simmons would be in our control for longer than Davis. And cheaper.
Until Simmons get's a shot he will be a liability for a contending team. Sure, Philly would've to have player like CJ as their gun slinger.
I hate both Giannis and Simmons' game. Especially since we're talking about being on a team coached by Stotts.
What makes you think that Simmons will eventually find a shot? The dude can't shoot. He's so bad that he's afraid to shoot. He's got great size and vision, but we need shooters.
Draymond and GS might disagree with you. I have to admit that having a forward who could push the ball, pass and play defense sounds very appealing after the last series. You have to look at similar players like Shawn Livingston, who had similar skills, but never really developed the long ball to see that Simmons might not develop a good shot. Even so, running Simmons as a Draymond-type aggressive point forward surrounded by shooters and Dame (Dame, Simons, Simmons, Collins, Nurk/Leonard/Skal) could make a very effective offense.