In the aftermath of a disappointing playoff exit for Ben Simmons and the 76ers, Bleacher Report’s NBA capologist Eric Pincus is proposing a hypothetical three-team trade in which the former No. 1 overall pick heads to Dallas, Houston’s John Wall is dealt to Philadelphia, and Mavericks big man Kristaps Porzingis is traded to Houston.
It’s an interesting trade construction, because all three former All-Stars don’t seem to be in an ideal spot where they are. Having obtained the East’s No.
1 seed in the regular season, the Sixers are incentivized to explore major moves after falling well short of their expected playoff performance. Meanwhile, Porzingis has felt frustrated by his reduced usage next to Luka Doncic with the Mavs, per ESPN’s Tim MacMahon.
As for Wall, the 30-year-old doesn’t seem to be an ideal fit with the timeline of Houston’s rebuilding plan, and he could provide Philadelphia with a different look of initiating their offense.
On paper, the 25-year-old Porzingis would fit better with the Rockets from an age perspective, and he might get the larger role and usage that he desires.
