Report: Hawks are a team to “keep an eye on” in Ben Simmons trade talks

We are just over a month away from the NBA trade deadline, but rumors are already swirling. Earlier this week, it was suggested that the Hawks are looking for a two-for-one type trade in order to clear up the logjam they have in their rotation. That could mean just about anything, though, including a trade for Ben Simmons, who the Hawks could be targeting, according to NBA insider Marc Stein.

https://twitter.com/TheNBACentral/status/1479526518917324806

Simmons remains out for the 76ers, and it’s become pretty clear that he will not play in Philadelphia again. With each passing week, he’s losing out on money, but that hasn’t stopped him from staying home. Eventually, it looks like he will get his wish, as long as another team comes close to the 76er’s asking price, which has been incredibly high up to this point.

Many Hawks fans might be disgusted at this report, and I can understand why, but I’ve always felt Simmons would be a good fit in Atlanta. His defensive ability is desperately needed, he can serve as the team’s backup point guard, and he can play all five positions. If Simmons were willing to take a back seat offensively to Trae Young as the team’s primary ball handler and serve as more of a slasher, which he’s best at, this could be a match made in heaven. Of course, there is risk, but there is with every blockbuster trade. I wouldn’t mind the Hawks taking a chance like this one bit.