NBA Rumors: Pelicans Planned Move For Ben Simmons Won’t Prosper With Future Picks Alone

The New Orleans Pelicans could use someone like Ben Simmons to team up with Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson in the future. Unfortunately, Philadelphia will only agree to a deal if it involves a star player.

This was what Sixers president Daryl Morey has repeatedly stressed. Hence, the alleged planned pitch of the Pelicans of trading draft picks for Simmons can be regarded as a total waste of time.

This was suggested by Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, a move that hardly makes sense. Jake Fischer of the Bleacher Report explained that unless the Pels are offering one of their top guns, this trade possibility is not expected to progress.

Simmons continues to wait on whether he can see action this NBA season. He has used various means to avoid suiting up for the 76ers, the latest of which is the mental health excuse.

But even without the 25-year-old guard, the Sixers have found ways to win. Hence, Philly can afford to place him in the freezer and wait for a credible pitch – a star-caliber player that Morey has long been asking for.

So if the Pelicans truly want Simmons, it means giving up either Ingram or Williamson. But looking at how things are right now, the top pick of the 2019 NBA Draft looms as the one New Orleans may offer if forced to do so.

Parting with Williamson makes sense. He has been spending more time in sickbay and has been struggling with weight problems. Even though he is only 21, the fact that he is constantly injured is not a good sign.

Keeping Ingram and then adding Simmons would make sense. Simmons could be his old self and take the place of Williamson since he appears more durable.

But overall, the fact remains that Simmons still needs to add that outside shot. Joining the Pelicans would make sense but upping the chances of the team remains farfetched unless the Australian evolves his game with that highly criticized outside shot.