Cavs: What about that ‘Enticing’ trade package for Ben Simmons?

Amidst another long Cavs year, what about those Ben Simmons rumors?

It was just August when those rumors of the Cavs believing they had an “enticing” trade package for Ben Simmons hit every channel of the interwebs.

Ah, summer during a pandemic. Nothing’s more interesting than good trade rumor.

Alas, as short as it was, the NBA offseason came and went and Cleveland did not pull of a trade for Simmons, a two-time All-Star.

So, sitting here in February, I’m wondering if GM Koby Altman still believes if his offer is still as “enticing” as it was six months ago. The76ers are willing to deal Simmons, alas, when they were talking of moving him before, it mean getting James Harden in return.

As for Cleveland, though, after watching the Cavs snap a 10-game losing streak, I got to thinking about that rumor, especially with Simmons name coming up on the trade market.

1. The Cavs still have to want Simmons. He was just named to his third All-Star team. They’ll never get a player like him in free agency.

2. It would probably cost Larry Nance Jr. We’d all hate to make this move, but Nance is probably the most valuable player on the Cavs. With Joel Embiid leading the way and Tobias Harris as the No. 2 option, Nance can do what he does best: Be a tremendous player who doesn’t have to be the No. 1, No. 2, or even the No. 3 option.

He plays on a team-friendly contract and my guess is the Cavs will be receiving a ton of calls for the Cleveland native.

4. Simmons is due $30 million this season. A trade mans the money has to match, so if Kevin Love is included in this deal, so be it.

5. The Cavs would likely have to deal either Collin Sexton or Darius Garland. Obviously, you’d rather trade Garland at this point.

6. Sexton’s ability to score is undeniable and would likely fit with Simmons. Let Ben run the point and Sexton can play the 2 where he’s better suited.

5. Additionally, I’d feel a lot better giving Sexton a max contract extension with Simmons in Cleveland for the the foreseeable future. Sexton is due for an extension this offseason and his agent is sure to ask for the max. At this point, I don’t know how the Cavs can do it because while Sexton’s been very good, I’m not sure he’s the guy–at least not yet.

6. The Cavs had Kevin Porter at the time of the original rumor, and this was before the USC product had run ins with the law. Since then,  Altman and the GM dealt him. Porter, by the way, is tearing up the G-League, which is good for him, but means nothing until he can actually get himself onto an NBA court and stay there.