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Would Ben Simmons be a fit for the Wizards?

The Philadelphia 76ers all but wants out of his old team and training camp is less than a month away. Could Washington be a suitable place for him?

By Albert Lee
Washington Wizards v Philadelphia 76ers
Would you like to see Ben Simmons traded to the Wizards?
Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images

Philadelphia 76ers guard Ben Simmons has reportedly requested a trade according to Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer. The situation between Simmons and the team has apparently gone to a point where he doesn’t want to report to training camp anymore, at least with them.

The falling out accelerated during the 2021 NBA Playoffs, where he averaged only 11.9 points per game, but also only made 34 percent of his free throws. Philadelphia advanced to the second round of the playoffs last season. That said, Simmons, while a good scorer (15.9 points per game in his career) has never become an adequate three point shooting threat, something that most point guards in today’s league. In fact, he’s only made five.

Since Simmons at the very least can play starting point guard as a distributor, he should be able to contribute from that end of the floor, regardless of what team he ends up on. Since he reportedly will play for any team except the Sixers, should the Wizards consider him?

I’m undecided, but I don’t think the Wizards need him. On the one hand, Simmons is just 25 years old can contribute as a passer and it isn’t too late for him to develop a more reliable three point shot over the long run. Any team that sees Simmons develop his shot over the next two-three years may find him a “steal.”

But on the other, it is difficult to see him be a even a …. “below average” shooter over the next couple years. And he is entering the second year of a five-year, $177 million contract. Also, the Wizards already made a major move by signing Spencer Dinwiddie in free agency and it’s going to be difficult to see him get traded in most circumstances.

BF commenter FanFromTheDMV wrote a FanPost featuring one trade idea where Simmons arrives in Washington for a package of players that includes Rui Hachimura, Deni Avdija and Davis Bertans. Is that too much, too little or just about right for Simmons? And what are some other trade ideas you have involving Simmons coming to Washington, if you don’t mind seeing him here? Let us know in the comments below.