2 West trades the Los Angeles Lakers better pray don’t happen

Ben Simmons to the Portland Trail Blazers

This is a trade that makes so much sense on paper and it is shocking that it has not happened yet. Perhaps the only reason why it has not happened yet is that Portland was not desperate to make a move. With internal turmoil, the Blazers should be open to making a move.

The trade here is simple. Swap CJ McCollum and Ben Simmons, and add whatever draft capital the two teams need to work out, to make it happen. This is a trade that equally benefits both sides and gives Portland a new identity that could put them over the hump in a year where Damian Lillard absolutely could get hot and carry them to the NBA Finals.

Simmons is getting a bad rep because of the playoffs last season and how he is handling this situation. While I get that, Simmons is still one of the five best defenders in the league while also being one of the most gifted passers in the league.

Simmons is a great player. He has a big hole in his game but that hole can be disguised with Damian Lillard. He does not need to help the floor spacing as much with Lillard at point. The fit is much better than with Joel Embiid.

All Portland has to do is look slightly south for a winning formula. This is their version of Curry and Draymond Green, and quite frankly, it might be better with Simmons’ ceiling. Meanwhile, the 76ers would get the floor spacing they are looking for in McCollum. Sure, he is not a superstar, but the 76ers are not going to get a superstar for Simmons. A fellow all-star that fits in the scheme is a great get.

Portland is currently battling alongside the Lakers at the bottom half of the playoff picture and quite frankly, if Simmons plays to his potential I like what Portland has much more than what the Lakers have.