Cavs should reevaluate plans to pursue a Ben Simmons trade

The Cavs have been mentioned as one of the teams pursuing Ben Simmons

Reports suggested that the Cleveland Cavaliers have been one of the teams actively trying to land disgruntled Philadelphia 76ers All-Star Ben Simmons, but recent developments should have the Cavs rethinking that plan.

The Sixers have suspended Simmons for their season opener for ‘conduct detrimental to the team’, following head coach Doc Rivers throwing him out of practice for his refusal to wholeheartedly participate in activities. He also previously skipped training camp as he demanded out of Philadelphia.

Inquiring teams such as the Cavs may or may not have gained some leverage following this development, depending on who you ask. Reports have been consistent in Philly is asking for a king’s ransom in any trade talks surrounding him.

Still only 25 years of age, Simmons is also only slightly older than Cleveland’s young core and will fit right in with the timeline and remains a generational talent–albeit with a questionable motor.

While it remains enticing to trade for the three-time NBA All-Star, a small market team such as Cleveland would be further doomed to a perpetual rebuild if he decides to pull off an act similar to this.

What are the Cavs willing to give up for Ben Simmons?

After having signed a $170M max extension with the Sixers in 2019, his contract should run through 2025. Landing a perennial NBA All-Star on a long-term deal is a luxury that does not come around often for small market teams like Cleveland.

Trading for a talent like his will also elevate both the floor and ceiling of the team, but at what cost? Members of the Cav’s young core such as Collin Sexton and Isaac Okoro, as well as the newly acquired veteran point guard Ricky Rubio, might not even be enough to pry him off even in a multiple-team trade.

If Philadelphia is hellbent on trading for a player that can help them immediately resume their quest to compete for a championship, Cleveland might not be the right trading partner.

While the 6-foot-9 ‘point forward’ can play the three with his size, above-average playmaking, and excellent defense, Simmons is also an iffy fit with the current makeup of an already flawed Cavaliers roster.

Simmons did average over 14 points, seven rebounds, and nearly seven assists, but was also exposed as an offensive liability in the playoffs last season for his lack of a reliable jump shot and inability to consistently hit free throws. His skillset does not necessarily fill an apparent need for the Cavs.

With this clearly not being an ideal match for either team, plus with all the long-term risks associated with a potential deal, perhaps Cleveland should just decide to sit this one out.