Bill Simmons 'Heard' Ben Simmons-for-Anthony Davis Trade Was Discussed

The New Orleans Pelicans and Philadelphia 76ers discussed a hypothetical trade that would've seen Anthony Davis and Ben Simmons change teams, according to The Ringer's Bill Simmons.

"That's why I was so intrigued by the Ben Simmons for Davis (scenario)," Simmons said on the most recent edition of his podcast (h/t RealGM). "By the way, I heard there were conversations on both sides with that."

Yahoo Sports' Chris Haynes mentioned the Sixers as a possibility for Davis once his trade request became public knowledge. However, Haynes wrote that Philadelphia "currently has no plans to pursue a deal" and noted the delicate situation for Rich Paul.

Paul represents both Davis and Simmons, so he might have had trouble selling Simmons on a franchise from which he was openly attempting to direct Davis away.

It's hard to see how the Sixers would've been able to get Davis without putting Simmons on the table. Joel Embiid is the only other player who could've headlined a trade package, and there's probably no way general manager Elton Brand would've dealt his best player and biggest fan favorite.

Things worked out pretty well for the Sixers in the end anyway. They acquired Tobias Harris, Boban Marjanovic and Mike Scott from the Los Angeles Clippers.

While Davis is clearly a better player, Harris gives Philadelphia another proven scorer and helps the team's floor spacing while coming at a fraction of the cost Davis would have.

Brand and the Sixers front office will have an opportunity to take another crack at Davis if they want to pursue the six-time All-Star in the offseason. The Pelicans kept him through the NBA trade deadline, so he'll finish out the year in New Orleans.