In what seemed like an endless drama between Ben Simmons and the Philadelphia 76ers, one that not even the best NBA lines experts predicted, over if Simmons should stay on the team or leave to look for new options somewhere else, Simmons has taken a step forward and requested that the Philadelphia 76ers trade him.

He’s gone as far as to even demanding that he does not want to be part of the team anymore nor will he be joining the Sixers for training camp. In all honesty, all of the signs of the rupturing of the relationship between Simmons and the Sixers were there for everyone to see. But now that Simmons has stepped up and demanded to be traded, which trade scenarios could end up being the most beneficial for Simmons?

Here is our breakdown of three potential trade scenarios that could benefit Ben Simmons as he looks for a new start in his career.

To The Trailblazers for CJ McCollum

Since the beginning of the rumors that Ben Simmons was looking to be traded this has been the scenario that all experts, analysts, and fans have gone to.

While the Sixers were holding on to the idea of offering a Simmons ridden trade to Portland until all-star Damian Lillard became available, for the one part Lillard is still sitting pretty comfortable in Portland and secondly, if he was to ask for a trade, Ben Simmons is not enough of a player to offer in exchange for Lillard. It’s as simple as that. But, if we take Lillard out and put CJ McCollum into the equation, then everything takes a more realistic and positive turn for all parties involved.

Just by doing an initial analysis of how this trade could pan out, it’s literally a win-win situation for both teams as Portland would be receiving a much needed playmaking and strong defensive fourth man, something that this team has needed for years to give Lillard more liberties and the Sixers would land a perfect shot creator to become an ultimate companion and second fiddle to Joel Embiid.

For any other team who wants Ben Simmons on their roster via trade, matching an offer like what Portland would bring to the table with CJ McCollum is absolutely necessary, if not, then this will continue to be the best trade scenario for everyone involved.

To Golden State for Andrew Wiggins

While Simmons’ shooting abilities might not be the best in the league, or in the 76ers, or almost anywhere else he’s at, one cannot argue that his defensive skills are some of the best in the NBA. With that said, imagine what pairing him along the likes of Draymond Green would mean not only for his career but for a Golden State Warriors team that is poised to make their way to the Western Conference title contention picture.

In Golden State Simmons wouldn’t have to worry about shooting the ball, with Steph Curry leading the offense and a soon-to-be 100% healthy Klay Thompson making his way back into the lineup. Simmons would go on to be a part of yet another team with clear title contention goals but on the other side of the country.

Now, while the Warriors could look into the option of sending a slew of young, up and coming talents to Philadelphia in return for Simmons, with players like James Wiseman, Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody, the Sixers know that this trade is all about beefing up the chances for Joel Embiid to win an NBA title while he’s still in top championship contention. This is why, if the Warriors were to send Andrew Wiggins plus some change, in the form of a draft pick or a lesser level player, both teams could end up coming to a happy understanding.

Wiggins would become a great asset to help Embiid create more shooting opportunities from midcourt coming down and he has enough shooting power to leverage what he can offer a team who’s ready to win now.

To Nuggets for Michael Porter Jr.

Two reasons have kept the Denver Nuggets from being top title contenders in the Western Conference. One is Jamal Murray’s injury problems, but as soon as Murray can be back, then the Nuggets automatically return to title contention.

The other problem is their defense. Their defense has not shown any real signs of being up to par with what the offense has to offer, but all that could change if the Nuggets were to pursue a trade with Philadelphia where they would get Ben Simmons alongside someone like Shake Milton for example, in return for Michael Porter Jr., Monte Harris, and Aaron Gordon. And no, before you think that the Nuggets might be getting the short-end of the stick here, hear me out.

Michael Porter Jr is a stud all on his own and some people might even argue that he holds more value than Ben Simmons in a trade market. But if Denver wants to be able to be taken completely seriously in the Western Conference title contention picture, then they need to improve their defense and they need for that improvement to be massive, something Ben Simmons can offer.

Denver doesn’t need to worry about scoring, they got Jokic and hopefully a healthy Murray coming back in full strength at some point in the future. Philadelphia could seriously benefit from the scoring skills that Porter Jr. brings to the table and the defensive depth that Aaron Gordon offers, oh and just in case, Monte Harris is a top-tier point guard and he could shine in Philadelphia if given the chance.