Trade rumors: Cavs can offer enticing package for Ben Simmons

The Cleveland Cavaliers can offer an “enticing” trade package for Ben Simmons.

Up until now, the Cleveland Cavaliers were pegged for a quiet off season. Heck, we’re debating whether to re-sign Delly. That’s changed, though, as rumors of the team making a play for 76ers former No. 1 overall pick Ben Simmons have popped up.

Cleveland.com’s Chris Fedor wrote the Cavs have enticing package, should Philadelphia want to change direction.

"“…The Cavs believe they have enough to assemble an enticing package, especially with recent first-rounders littering the roster, a top six pick coming in October and a future first from the Milwaukee Bucks.”"

Fedor contends that something is brewing in Philadelphia, writing that the 76ers, a team that’s  made  moves to go for it, could only muster the sixth seed in the east.

The Sixers view themselves at an impasse and may need to choose between moving forward with either Joel Embiid or Simmons, if the 76ers are eliminated earlier than expected, according to an anonymous Cleveland.com source. 

Fedor floated the name of Darius Garland as just one of the pieces to go because Philly needs shooters to complement Embiid.

Simmons is a big name, can get to the rim and can play defense. He’s under contract through the 2023-2024 season. While he’s missing the 3-point shot, Simmons offers something the Cavs desperately need: Someone to facilitate offense. The third-year veteran has averaged 8.0 assists throughout his career.

From the moment LeBron left for the Lakers, the Cavs have been rebuilding, eyeing the 2020-2021 campaign as a season they begin to take a step forward, according to Fedor. How big a step? Ideally, the Cavs would compete for a lower seed in the playoffs. The scribe contended that adding Andre Drummond via trade was evidence of the Cavs’ plans.

Fedor also threw out the name of former Slam Dunk champion Zach LaVine, who looks headed to a split from the Bulls. The Knicks are monitoring, but don’t count out the Cavs’ interest.

If it’s true that the Cavs would like to take a step forward, the organization must do something this offseason. Sure, Andre Drummond only got in eight games with the Cavs before the season was shelved, but it remains to be seen if the team’s young guards can take the next step.