Swarm and Sting
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Charlotte Hornets: 2 trades to acquire Ben Simmons

By Dylan Jackson

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - FEBRUARY 03: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers attempts a shot against Miles Bridges #0 of the Charlotte Hornets during the first quarter of their game at Spectrum Center on February 03, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - FEBRUARY 03: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers attempts a shot against Miles Bridges #0 of the Charlotte Hornets during the first quarter of their game at Spectrum Center on February 03, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JANUARY 04: Gordon Hayward #20 of the Charlotte Hornets and Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JANUARY 04: Gordon Hayward #20 of the Charlotte Hornets and Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) /

Charlotte Hornets: 2 trades for Ben Simmons

It’s impossible to know whether the Philadelphia 76ers would entertain a deal to acquire Gordon Hayward, but he would be a really solid half-court addition to Philly’s roster. He would work along the perimeter with Tobias Harris beautifully, along with Joel Embiid down low. Additionally, PJ Washington would work really well as both a backup center and power forward that can space the floor and defend fairly well.

The Charlotte Hornets, on the other hand, get Ben Simmons to play center. Their rotation would be a little bit weaker in terms of depth, but the starting five would consist of LaMelo Ball, Terry Rozier, Kelly Oubre, Miles Bridges, and Ben Simmons.

That is a tremendous amount of passing and switch-ability defensively – and while Simmons is not the best rim protector in the NBA, he is one of the best overall defenders – and one that would do wonders for a Charlotte defense that is flat-out bad.

The trio of LaMelo Ball, Miles Bridges, and Ben Simmons would be among the best young cores in the league – and the supporting cast would have a chance to grow around them as well. Even though the depth from this alternate-reality Hornets team would be lacking – that is not factoring in that first-round picks James Bouknight and Kai Jones have yet to get consistent run time (through no fault of their own). Maybe the departure of Hayward from the Hornets sees JT Thor get action, as well.

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