Pelicans reportedly have discussed Ben Simmons trade, won't include Brandon Ingram

Short of offering up Brandon Ingram and other assets, that’s unlikely to happen. Scotto points to New Orleans looking to give up future first-round picks and pick swaps in exchange for Simmons. Given Philadelphia’s asking price for the embattled point guard, these talks will go nowhere.

New Orleans does have future first-round picks from the Los Angeles Lakers (Anthony Davis trade) and Milwaukee Bucks (Jrue Holiday) trade. That gives the team natural assets to pull off a trade for a star to team up with Williamson — whenever he returns from his current foot injury.

As you already know, Simmons remains away from the 76ers after requesting a trade this past offseason. Right now, he’s not in a mental space to return to the court. Meanwhile, trade talks surrounding the three-time All-Star have heated up with the Lakers and Knicks being bandied about as most recent additions to the list of interested teams.

Ben Simmons as a fit for the New Orleans Pelicans

Among the many foolish decisions New Orleans has made in recent years, it decided to let Lonzo Ball walk in free agency rather than match any offer for the then-restricted free agent. In his stead, the Pelicans traded for Devonte’ Graham. He has not panned out at point guard (37% shooting, 13.2 points per game).

Obviously, point guard remains a need in New Orleans. The question becomes whether the Pelicans view Simmons and his inability to shoot from perimeter in that regard. Some interested teams see him more as a point forward in the same vein as Draymond Green.

Regardless, getting talent to appease Williamson has to be seen as the primary goal for these Pelicans. Simmons would add that two-way ability.

How would a Ben Simmons trade to the New Orleans Pelicans look?

Short of getting another squad to take on the contracts of Jonas Valanciunas, Josh Hart and Graham while offering up multiple first-round picks to help facilitate a three-team trade, Ingram would have to be involved. That’s not even in question at this point.

Something akin to Ingram, Tomas Satoransky and draft-pick compensation for Simmons and Shake Milton might work.