It's interesting to see so many posts not wanting Simmons here.....intertwined with so many 'Dame needs another All-Star' posts....which Dame has basically reiterated himself.
For CJ + nothing or 1 pick or RoHo, Paul George, Kawhi Leonard, Jimmy Buttler-like wing players aren't walking through the door anytime soon....or ever. Of course Simmons has his warts, but he is a 25 year old multiple time all-star who is one of the most versatile defensive players in the league and a tremendous passer who is averaging more assists per game in his career than Dame has. He is tremendous going towards the basket and would take care of the backup PG minutes that people have been clamoring about for years.
Dame isn't going to have the opportunity to get someone of his caliber for likely the rest of his career for what it would cost the Blazers while still leaving the majority of the team in tacked. Everyone is entitle to their opinion, but this just doesn't make sense. Changing the periphery parts doesn't work....hasn't worked, and just isn't likely to suddenly turn them into a contender.
They need another impact player, not a couple more role players. Simmons, for his Pros and Cons, would be that and because of the situation in Philly, won't cost as much as it would have for him just as recently as the last Trade Deadline.
For example, per Sam Amick at The Athletic:
According to a source with knowledge of their situation, the Kings spoke to the Sixers weeks ago and made it clear that neither De’Aaron Fox nor Tyrese Haliburton would not be included in a possible Simmons deal. That stance, the source said, has not and will not change and the internal expectation is that the core of their roster will remain the same heading into training camp later this month. There are no current conversations between the two teams and, barring a drastic change in demands, it appears the Kings are an unlikely landing spot for Simmons.
The situation has given Philly no leverage. This is Portland's chance to actually make a move and for Neil to FINALLY 'move the needle'. Ben's not perfect, or anywhere near it, but if he was, he wouldn't be available.
For once in your life Neil....Go!