NBA Rumors: Proposed Blockbuster Would Send Lonzo Ball To Sixers For Package Centered On Tyrese Maxey

One of the potential trade destinations for Ball this season is the Philadelphia 76ers. In a recent article, Michael Balko of NBA Analysis Network discussed a hypothetical blockbuster trade between the Sixers and the Pelicans that would send the former No. 2 overall pick to the City of Brotherly Love. In the proposed trade scenario, the Sixers would be sending a package that includes Tyrese Maxey, Mike Scott, Terrance Ferguson, and a 2021 first-round pick to the Pelicans in exchange for Ball.

The cost of acquiring Ball from the Pelicans might seem high, but Balko believes that it would be worth it for the Sixers.

"Bringing in Lonzo Ball would give the 76ers the flexibility to have Ben Simmons spend more time off the ball," Balko wrote. "Simmons has unique intangibles for a primary ball handler and could further make an impact on the team’s offense having a guard like Ball alongside him. A starting five consisting of Lonzo Ball, Seth Curry, Tobias Harris, Ben Simmons, and MVP favorite Joel Embiid would be very hard to contain. There would be size and length on defense aside from Seth Curry."

Ball may not have publicly demanded a trade from the Pelicans, but he would definitely love the idea of playing with Ben Simmons, Joel Embiid, Tobias Harris, and Seth Curry in Philadelphia. Unlike the Pelicans who are still in the middle of the rebuilding process, the Sixers have a legitimate chance of reaching the NBA Finals and winning the championship title in the 2020-21 NBA season. If he performs well on a title-contending team like the Sixers, it would strengthen his chances of landing a lucrative contract in the 2021 free agency.

The proposed scenario would be a no-brainer for the Pelicans. By sending a soon-to-be free agent to the City of Brotherly Love, they would be receiving two young and promising talents in Maxey and Ferguson and a future first-round selection. At 20 and 22, respectively, Maxey and Ferguson fit the timeline of New Orleans' stars. If they continue to improve their game and become more consistent on both ends of the floor, both could become part of the core of a potential title-contending team with the Pelicans.