Dallas Mavericks: Should they target Ben Simmons?

Should the Dallas Mavericks be targeting Ben Summons?

Simmons would be an upgrade for the Mavs. He was third-team All-NBA in 2020 and has made two straight All-Defensive first-teams. The 6’11 point guard had the 12th most assists per game in the league last season, and he averages 15.9 points each night.

Yes, Simmons is a flawed player. He does not shoot jumpers and struggles from the free-throw line. That does not take away from his ball-handling, playmaking, and rebounding ability. Teams know Simmons is going to drive to the basket, but they still struggle to stop him.

The 25-year-old has four years and $146.7 million remaining on his contract, which complicates any deal. Teams have to match salaries, so finding just over $30 million to make the math work can be difficult.

The asking price should be the key to the Dallas Mavericks' interest. Prior to the 2021 NBA Draft,Adrian Wojnarowski reported the Sixers targeted a return similar to one the Houston Rockets got for James Harden. How far has the price fallen? Could the Mavs acquire him for a first-round pick and salary filler? Would it cost two firsts or more?

Ben Simmons would be the Mavs' best perimeter defender, but his offensive game complicates the fit. If the asking price is low, Dallas should target Simmons, but if they are looking for multiple players and multiple draft picks, the Mavericks should not go all-in for the three-time All-Star.