The Philadelphia 76ers are finally back to looking like a team that can make noise in the NBA. Donovan Mitchell is having an unbelievable rookie year for the Utah Jazz, but his numbers don’t do him justice when you compare them to Ben Simmons.
The “ben simmons utah jazz trade” is a potential Donovan Mitchell problem in Utah. The Jazz have been struggling to find their identity, and the trade of Ben Simmons could be one way to fix that.
The Philadelphia 76ers and general manager Daryl Morey’s unwillingness to move Ben Simmons has gotten a lot of attention. Rumors about the Sixers are still circulating, but Morey has been steadfast in his reluctance to trade his former franchise player for anything less than another star.
There’s a case to be made that Simmons should be dealt before the Feb. 10 deadline this year to aid Joel Embiid at the very least.
At the same time, a possible storm developing in Utah suggests Morey’s decision to keep the three-time All-Star point guard might be accurate.
Donovan Mitchell of the Utah Jazz is the most recent addition to the NBA trade rumor cycle.
The Utah Jazz’s Donovan Mitchell speaks with the Philadelphia 76ers’ Ben Simmons. Getty Images/Mitchell Leff
For the last several seasons, the Jazz have been one of the strongest teams in the Western Conference and a probable championship candidate.
Utah is now ranked fourth in the West, although it was previously first and is now in freefall. Joe Ingles, a key contributor, has now been gone for the season.
As the Jazz’s season has deteriorated, whispers about standout guard Donovan Mitchell have begun to circulate.
Reporter Tim MacMahon of ESPN’s The Hoop Collective questioned the franchise’s ability to preserve their cornerstone long term on an episode of The Hoop Collective:
“I’m going to say there’s a rumor circulating around the league that market size is important to him,” McMahon added.
“I believe the Jazz’s ability to establish they’re a legitimate contender or (to) win a championship might be a factor in the decision-making process,” he continued.
The scenario was contrasted by MacMahon and broadcaster Brian Windhorst to that of Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks. Milwaukee was in continuous communication with Antetokounmpo and asked him for suggestions on suitable players to surround him with.
The Bucks struck a deal to get Jrue Holiday — even though it felt like an overpay — Giannis re-signed with the club, and the squad won a championship.
This is the best situation. But, more often than not, things do not go as planned.
Morey and the Sixers seem to be waiting for the next superstar — maybe Mitchell — to grow dissatisfied with his team and want more.
Mitchell’s predicament demonstrates that the Sixers were correct in refusing to deal Ben Simmons for pennies on the dollar.
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Philly might be in business if this probable situation plays out and Spida becomes accessible.
De’Aaron Fox, Tyrese Haliburton, CJ McCollum, and Caris LeVert have all been mentioned in recent speculations concerning Simmons and the Sixers. Trading the former LSU standout for all of those guys may not be a fair deal for Morey.
The initial white whale for the 76ers seems to be James Harden, but that trade isn’t going to materialize before the deadline.
Damian Lillard was rumored to be a possibility, but he now looks to be ruled out. Bradley Beal does not seem to be on his way out of Washington. There is currently no like-for-like exchange featuring Simmons.
Morey seems to be waiting for the next dissatisfied superstar to step forward and seek a release from his present circumstances. Mitchell might be that superstar, but even if he isn’t, someone else could be on the horizon.
Soon after winning a championship, Kyrie Irving sought to leave Cleveland. Who could have predicted that? Kawhi Leonard wanted to leave San Antonio and was granted his request.
Anthony Davis demanded to be moved out of New Orleans and even pushed the Pelicans to do it. Harden demanded to be dealt to Brooklyn in the same way he wanted to be sent to Houston.
Player empowerment seems to be reaching new heights. Perhaps Utah’s franchise cornerstone will get tired of the Jazz. Maybe he even informs the front office that he’ll only come to Philly to play alongside Embiid.
Bam. Morey has finally gotten the Ben Simmons deal he’s been yearning for. This isn’t the first time an organization has found itself in this situation. What makes you think the Sixers won’t be the ones to benefit from the next one?
The next superstar trade demand seems to be just around the bend at all times.
The number of instances continues to expand. Mitchell might be the culprit. Maybe it’s Beal.
It’s possible that no one has thought of it yet. Were there any genuine signs that Spida was done with the Jazz a month ago?
Zion Williamson has expressed dissatisfaction with the Pelicans’ management. Maybe Luka Doncic believes he won’t be able to win in Dallas. Who knows who’ll be the next victim? But one thing is certain: someone will be next.
Morey has been chastised for keeping Simmons captive. Big Ben is an open roster position that might help Embiid get closer to a championship when he doesn’t know how many shots he has left.
What if Mitchell, on the other hand, ends up taking that slot next year?
It’s a risky game to play, but if done perfectly, the Larry O’Brien Trophy may be on the line.
NBA.com provided all data.
RELATED: The Jazz Lose Joe Ingles, a Fan Favorite and Key Trade Asset, in the Same Night
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