Closing the deal on Ben Simmons' boat was a feat
When it was first reported that Ben Simmons no longer wanted to play in Philadelphia, fans and the media were quick to create dream trade scenarios for the 76ers. Even given Simmons' terrible performance last postseason, the three-time All-Star still had some commercial value to offer. However, when word spread about what Morey was trying to acquire in exchange for Simmons, people's tone changed.
Did you want a star to replace Simmons and FOUR first-round picks? This is crazy. 76ers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey could find himself on Shutter Island 2 if he continues these negotiations.
As the Simmons rumors passed from day to day, the conversation began to unravel. When Simmons threatened to sit out for the entire season, fans, myself included, began begging Morey to trade Simmons for something. anything! At least get some Star Point Guard value from him. If you keep asking for a ridiculous return, you won't get anything!
Well, hit me on the side because Morey had a plan all along. At yesterday's trade deadline, the 76ers and Brooklyn Nets agreed to a blockbuster trade that would send Simmons along with Andre Drummond and Seth Curry to the Nets for former MVP James Harden. I guess we should have trusted the process. boo dum tss
Morey trusted his instinct. He believed that Ben Simmons could be a crucial part of a trade that made the 76ers a title contender, and for George, he didn't just pull it off, he pulled it off with his 720° McTwist backflip! My God!
I think that's why none of us work in the front office of an NBA team. I and a lot of other NBA fans, I guess, would have panicked at the prospect of having to sit Simmons out for the entire season. He wasn't working on his shot. He didn't help the team, and even without him, the 76ers were still fighting for the top spot in the Eastern Conference.
On the surface, it looked like his retail value would drop more than an ice cream cone at Dairy Queen. Simmons sold his home in the Philadelphia area. It was clear that he had no intention of ever returning to the team. Well, if the Orlando Magic had knocked on my door and offered me Mo Bamba and some warm gummy bears for Simmons, he would have gladly accepted it with a smile on his face.
Knowing what we know now, that smile on my face has turned into an egg. Daryl Morey, you just gave a master class on Bidding 101 and I will never doubt your decisions again, no matter how crazy they seem at the time.
