Reacting to a potential Ben Simmons to NY Knicks trade

Trade SZN is in full swing and if I had to guess, the NY Knicks might be aggressive in an attempt to turn their season around.

After the Cinderella story that was last season’s team, the Knicks have come crashing back down to earth in recent weeks.

I speak for all fans when I say that after the team’s 5-1 start to the season, we may have really started to believe that the Knicks were serious contenders but have since fallen flat more often than not.

In today’s reaction piece, we’re going to be discussing a trade outlined by none other than NBA Analysis Network yet again.

It’s safe to say that I’ve disagreed with their ideas more often than not.

Should the NY Knicks consider this deal for Ben Simmons?

This time, we’re discussing a Ben Simmons trade…and while I’ve personally made my stance known on whether I would want the Knicks to consider dealing for him, other writers here at Daily Knicks have conflicting opinions.

It’s no longer a question of IF Ben Simmons gets traded, just a matter of when.

Reason being that up until recently, the Sixers have been fining Simmons millions of dollars for not showing up to team obligations and training sessions.

Jeez, where do I even begin…

Honestly, I am as big a Leon Rose stan as there is and I would hope that he has a bit more common sense than to trade for Ben Simmons altogether, let alone for that atrocious deal.

In theory, Ben Simmons would be a great Point Guard in a Thibs-ran system.

He’s big, a terrific playmaker and passer, arguably a top-10 defender in the league, and attacks the rim at will.

But I am firmly of the belief that Ben Simmons will not succeed in the NBA until they build an entire team around him, similar to how the Bucks have with Giannis.

He needs to be surrounded by shooters in order to optimize his skill set.

If the Knicks were to trade for Simmons, of course, Evan Fournier would need to be involved for salary matching purposes, and likely Kemba Walker as well to create the spot for Simmons at the point.

But to include Obi Toppin, someone the Knicks should keep as a focal point of the team’s future as well as three firsts and the ability to swap two picks…that’s a lot to give up for a guy they’d have to rebuild their entire lineup around.

Frankly, as much as I do like Ben Simmons and do believe he can make something of himself in the NBA one day…especially if he commits to learning how to shoot 3’s, putting him next to RJ Barrett and Julius Randle would be like sticking a square peg in a round hole.

The Knicks were tortured by zone defenses all of last year and that 3-man lineup would create the worst spacing in the league by far.

Mind you, this is assuming the Knicks also have Mitchell Robinson in the starting lineup as well…Simmons is far better suited for a team whose identity is in shooting the 3-ball and already has premier shooters in place.

As much as I hate to admit it, Atlanta would be an excellent destination for Ben Simmons, although I think Philly would have some trouble dealing him over there.

Leon Rose, whatever you do, DO NOT TRADE FOR BEN SIMMONS!