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 – JUNE 02: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers and Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JUNE 02: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers and Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) /

Charlotte Hornets: 2 trades for Ben Simmons

Okay, this one is more far-out-there than the last trade – I will acknowledge that. BUT – hear me out. This trade would largely rely on one huge ‘IF’.

IF – and only IF – the Trail Blazers decide to begin a rebuild (one which they would trade their best players away) – CJ McCollum would be an excellent piece for the 76ers to acquire in a deal which they give away Simmons.

In this deal, the Trail Blazers get three role players, one of which (PJ Washington) is still on a rookie contract. They also acquire James Bouknight – a 2021 lottery selection, and a future first-round pick from the Hornets via the Pelicans.

The 76ers acquire CJ McCollum, of course, as well as Cody Zeller, and two second-round picks from Charlotte. They get a win-now guard that fits in perfectly as a half-court initiator. The spacing is an upgrade over Simmons – and McCollum has three years left on his current contract as well. His game should age gracefully considering he does not rely on athleticism heavily to score.

Rather than giving up Hayward like in the first package, the Hornets find a way to give up more-so a combination of assets – one that still may not be enough for the Trail Blazers to take this deal. The Hornets would be giving up four rotational players for what they hope to be the third piece in a big-three.

dark. Next. Hornets: 3 takeaways from Win vs. NY Knicks

A Ben Simmons deal to Charlotte is unlikely, but the idea of him as a Hornet alongside LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges is an interesting one, for sure.

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