Indiana Pacers: Absurd Ben Simmons trade idea brings nightmare scenario

With the preseason still headlined by the ongoing rift between disgruntled star Ben Simmons and the Philadelphia 76ers, many are still penciling the Indiana Pacers in as a team that can strike a deal for the All-Star and end the disruptive drama.

However, with things starting to settle down in training camp, it is highly unlikely that the front office forces their way into the trade discussion at this critical juncture. However, a recent trade idea involving the Pacers and the Australian guard does not only lie on the plane of absurdity, but brings with it a nightmarish scenario for the team.

The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Keith Pompey proposed a deal that would send Ben Simmons to the Indiana Pacers, with starting guards Malcolm Brogdon and Caris LeVert, as well a first-round pick dangled to the Philadelphia 76ers in return.

Recent Simmons trade idea fetches a worst-case scenario for the Indiana Pacers

Safe to say, that proposition was almost immediately met with derision from the Indiana faithful. While it indeed makes a ton of sense for the 76ers, who do not have a lot of viable options left after holding out for this long, the Pacers will certainly be on the side of casualties with this one.

Pushing for Brogdon to be traded for Simmons was already a shaky manifesto. Adding LeVert, projected to be a breakout star in the Circle City, into the equation, as well as a valuable first-round pick, is franchise malpractice and insanity hoisted over the top. By all indications, this should remain a casual suggestion that the front office should never consider and here’s why.

A theoretical core led by Simmons, Domantas Sabonis, Myles Turner and TJ Warren would’ve been fearsome in the past decade. Problem is, the game has gone completely wayward from the bruising post-oriented style of basketball previously. With Simmons’ waning effectiveness in the half-court, an utmost certainty with high frequency with two centers on the roster, the Indiana Pacers will simply be lagging offensively.

Alas, the starting unit will almost be completely sapped of perimeter offense. While Warren has seen his three-point shot improve over the years, his volume from downtown doesn’t exactly scream marksman. Turner’s outside stroke is more capability than niche. Domas? We’re looking at an Embiid rewind, but at an All-Star degree instead of an MVP level.

The reformist side of Pacers fans, even with their willful calls for a massive change from continuity-hoarded Indiana, will almost certainly not be fond of this idea. While doing so will fetch the Blue and Gold with their highest ceiling player since Paul George, bringing in Simmons for that type of return will not only make for a funky club, but also a group that makes little sense as a collective.

With both the front office and fans’ clamor and growing impatience with being stuck in the middle, taking on a head-scratching experiment for the sake of mere change, despite clearly debilitating for roster construction, deserves only a fleeting look, and nothing more.