Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images. Pictured: Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons
Following the Philadelphia 76ers’ season-ending loss on Sunday to the Atlanta Hawks in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference semi-finals, the obvious reaction is that something needs to change.
The first-place fans in Philadelphia are looking at the top of the roster with Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons; sportsbooks have followed suit.
Recently, PointsBet posted odds on Embiid’s and Simmons’ possible landing spots if either player is traded this offseason. The Portland Trail Blazers are the clear betting favorite at +250.
Simmons was exposed offensively throughout the series, routinely struggling from the free throw line and at times not even shooting at all. Simmering frustrations and resentment came to a head in the fourth quarter of Game 7 when Simmons passed up a dunk and instead passed to a contested teammate.
The question for the 76ers will be if Simmons was exposed beyond repair in Philly.
If Philadelphia moves on from Simmons, one of the more popular trade machine offers is a deal with Portland involving C.J. McCollum as Damian Lillard seeks more help with the Blazers.
The Wizards, with Bradley Beal and Russell Westbrook, are second on the oddsboard ahead of the Spurs, who could be looking to build around a new star in the final years of Gregg Popovich’s run as head coach.
Other notables on the board include: The Oklahoma City Thunder and their treasure trove of draft picks; the Golden State Warriors with James Wiseman; and the Houston Rockets, who pursued Simmons in potential James Harden trades.
If the Sixers decide to change things up by moving the other part of their young duo in Embiid, then three teams atop the oddsboard as potential suitors include the Blazers, Rockets and Warriors. It seems that’s the more unlikelier option of the two, but the Timberwolves, Pacers and Pelicans make the list as well.
Odds to be Joel Embiid’s Next Team if Traded
Odds via PointsBet.
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| Portland Trail Blazers | +250 |
| Houston Rockets | +300 |
| Golden State Warriors | +300 |
| Los Angeles Lakers | +450 |
| Minnesota Timberwolves | +500 |
| Indiana Pacers | +600 |
| New Orleans Pelicans | +700 |
Odds to be Ben Simmons’ Next Team if Traded
Odds via PointsBet.
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| Portland Trail Blazers | +250 |
| Washington Wizards | +300 |
| San Antonio Spurs | +450 |
| Utah Jazz | +550 |
| Oklahoma City Thunder | +550 |
| Golden State Warriors | +600 |
| Los Angeles Lakers | +625 |
| Cleveland Cavaliers | +750 |
| Houston Rockets | +1000 |
