Stephen A Smith says Kyrie Irving could have been traded to the Sixers

Trade rumours surrounding Ben Simmons have been on an all-time high. Previously there have been reports of Simmons being traded to the Houston Rockets for James Harden. It has always been clear that Sixers want to find the right partner for Joel Embiid, one that can lead the franchise to the very top. After their unsuccessful pursuit for the now Nets star James Harden, they were still interested in acquiring a top perimeter scorer. This time they had their eyes on Harden’s teammate, Kyrie Irving. 

Stephen A Smith talks about the trade involving Kyrie Irving and Ben Simmons 

In the latest episode of the show First Take, Stephen A discussed the possibility of Kyrie Irving being traded to Sixers for Ben Simmons. He said that Kyrie could have ended up in Philly if it were not for his friend and teammate Kevin Durant. The Nets were interested in the deal but Durant wouldn’t let it go through. 

“Here’s another thing that could’ve happened! Kyrie could have ended up in Philly. Sean Marks couldn’t do that because KD wasn’t having it. KD wasn’t having it. KD like ‘Kyrie ain’t going no damn place!’ Let me tell you something right now, Philadelphia might’ve said no, but I assure you, I assure you, if it were not for Kevin Durant, the Brooklyn Nets would be interested in making that deal.”, said Stephen A.

Stephen A Smith just said the Nets would have traded Kyrie Irving for Ben Simmons but Kevin Durant is the one who said no, not GM Sean Marks. pic.twitter.com/aYYG76qbyT

— Rob Lopez (@r0bato) September 22, 2021

Also Read: Here’s Why Ben Simmons Wants to Leave Philadelphia 76ers

This is a trade that would make a lot of sense from a basketball perspective. The Nets already have two of the best offensive players in the league in Kevin Durant and James Harden. Simmons, who is also a very good facilitator will be huge for them defensively. He has certainly built the reputation of being a great defensive player after making the All-Defence first team for two seasons in a row. 

Meanwhile, the Sixers will get an elite offensive player who can score from anywhere on the court and certainly doesn’t crumble under the spotlight. The seven-time All-Star shot 40.2% from three-point land which will give Sixers a much needed offensive boost from the perimeter. Having Joel Embiid controlling the frontcourt, him in tandem with Kyrie will make Sixers potent from both inside and outside. 

Sixers coach Doc Rivers has confirmed that Ben Simmons has asked to be traded

After several reports suggesting that Simmons wants out of Philadelphia, Sixers coach Doc Rivers has confirmed that Simmons has indeed asked to be traded. Rivers talked about how he would want Simmons back but the player seems to have made his mind. Rivers also said that the team would gladly have Simmons back shutting down any rumours about his rift with Joel Embiid. 

Doc Rivers on Ben Simmons informing the 76ers that he wants to be traded;

"I can tell you up front, we would love to get Ben back. And if we can, we're going to try to do that. pic.twitter.com/JeWoIE3W7U

— First Take (@FirstTake) September 22, 2021

Sixers drafted Ben Simmons as the first pick in the 2016 draft. He took home the Rookie of the year award home in his rookie season. He was the steals champion in the 2019-2020 season. After four very good years which saw him become a 3-time All-Star and making the All NBA defence first team twice, his time in Philly seems to have come to an end. Simmons has taken a total of 34 three-point shots in his career.

He was 3 of 10 from the three-point range. His mid-range shot was also inefficient as he managed to shoot a mere 38.5% from 5 feet out from the basket last season. Simmons has never been a reliable free throw shooter either, averaging just 59.7% for his career and could only manage 34.2% from the line in the 2021 playoffs.

All of these stats have made him emerge as somewhat of a liability on the offensive end despite him being an elite passer, a great rebounder and an excellent finisher at the basket. Ben Simmons is still only 25 and has a lot of time to redeem himself. If not at Philadelphia, maybe elsewhere. Where do you guys think Ben Simmons will end up? Comment down below. 

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