The Indiana Pacers add a wanted piece to sweeten the trade for Ben Simmons
In this proposed package, the Indiana Pacers acquire All-Star Ben Simmons from the Philadelphia 76ers for guard Malcolm Brogdon, veteran Justin Holiday and the 13th overall pick in the upcoming draft.
Clearly, the only difference with this trade is the addition of Justin Holiday. While it is not a groundbreaking leap from the prior proposal, the swingman fits perfectly with Philadelphia’s orientation to defense, especially with Danny Green, who may be out of the 76ers’ range, entering free agency.
While Simmons is better than Brogdon on defense, it does not mean that the latter is marginal as a stopper. In fact, the guard may be the best perimeter defender on the Pacers, capable of slowing down all perimeter positions, including the best that the league has to offer, with his quickness, defensive IQ and strength.
The 13th overall pick should also be a great addition for Philly, giving them a chance to plug some holes on the team in the upcoming draft, which will be one of the deepest ones in recent history.