The Cleveland Cavaliers are the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference. They hold a good lead over their competitors, but no one would blame them for wanting some reinforcements to clinch that and for their upcoming playoff run.
Cleveland may turn to the Philadelphia 76ers or even their alumni to do just that. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst revealed that there are two players that the Cavaliers may turn on the buyout market: Ben Simmons and Lonzo Ball.
Simmons is not the player he once was when he played for the Sixers, but he’s still good enough to help a team win the playoffs. Because his contract is too expensive, no team would trade for him for what he brings to the court but rather because his deal will expire after the season.
One way or the other, the Sixers alum may eventually hit the buyout market, and the Cavaliers would be fools not to try to sign him if and when the opportunity presents itself.
Earlier, another Sixers alum—Jerami Grant — had been floated as a target for Cleveland, but that was via trade. It’s fair to say some of these former Sixers could help the Cavaliers.
The Cavaliers would be wise not to count on Simmons in the postseason
Simmons would give the Cavaliers a solid defender, but he does not give them an offensive presence outside of his passing.
The Sixers counted on Simmons to guide them in the playoffs, but he routinely came up short primarily because of his fear of shooting. Opponents often took advantage of this, and it led to the Sixers getting ousted. If Cleveland adds him, they must be careful about how they use him.
He can help, but his skillset is limited, which hurts his effectiveness in the playoffs.
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