KEY POINTS

  • The Philadelphia 76ers might start rebuilding around Joel Embiid 
  • Ben Simmons could be traded in a deal with the Portland Trail Blazers
  • CJ McCollum is seen as the best fit for an Embiid-centered system in Philly

A what was once a state of euphoria is slowly turning into a dilemma in Philadelphia. Torn in the middle of two All-Stars, the Sixers are now being pressured to unload one of them in hopes to finally get over the playoff hump. Should they succumb to the uproar, it is believed that Ben Simmons could be the odd man out.

Over the last couple of years, the Sixers have established themselves as one of the contenders in the East. But for some reason, their campaign always ends up being short of their goal – this despite stacking up above-average talents in their pool.

Multiple times, Philly has gone almost but not quite. And in every playoff exit comes the recurring search for their real identity. Perhaps it is due that the Sixers finally settle the score, which is to let go of their towering point guard and appoint Joel Embiid as the franchise’s cornerstone.

Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey believes it could happen, predicting the Sixers could explore talks with the Portland Trail Blazers for a feasible swap deal.

“When scanning the trade market for potential Simmons suitors, shooting should be a motivating factor for Philadelphia,” Bailey wrote. “The Portland Trail Blazers, who seem to face this "Should they break up the core?" question every year, might be the ideal partner.”

In his virtual trade offer, Bailey sees Philadelphia gaining a proven scorer in CJ McCollum as a part of a package that also involves Anfernee Simons (or Nassir Little), a 2021 first-round pick and a 2022 second-round pick in exchange of the two-time All-Star Simmons.

Simmons' and McCollum’s games are on two opposite poles. But while the former’s strength would be difficult to match, the Sixers are said to have realized that what they need is some breathing space in the paint.

With less clogging inside, Bailey said McCollum could be the perfect complement to an Embiid-centered offense by simply making a living from the outside.

“CJ McCollum isn't as impactful as Simmons,” Bailey added. “But he actually shoots the ball. And he shoots it well. If Philadelphia decides to focus its rebuild on Embiid, it needs players who won't crowd him inside.”

The Sixers have kept themselves in the playoff picture prior to the suspension of the games in March. However, sitting at the sixth spot with 39 wins and 26 losses also meant the team did not quite live up to its preseason expectations, which just adds to the case that such a trade is just waiting around the corner.

Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons
Ben Simmons takes rare three-pointer against the Los Angeles Lakers, a sign of things to come. Ben Simmons #25 and Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers watch play in the final minutes during a 121-105 win over the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on January 29, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. Getty Images/Harry How