Raptors: Can Kyle Lowry sign-and-trade help Toronto land Ben Simmons?

The Toronto Raptors and Philadelphia 76ers might’ve ended up on completely different sides of the Atlantic Division standings, but they could both be in the market for new point guards, as Kyle Lowry and Ben Simmons could both be in new jerseys by the time next year comes around.

Lowry is an impending free agent that could decide to leave his home of nearly a decade in Canada for a team with a greater chance to win a championship, while the 76ers could deal Simmons away after some poor performances in the postseason.

The latest buzz seems to suggest that a sign-and-trade that sends Lowry to Philadelphia and Simmons to Toronto may still come to fruition.

Shams Charania of The Athletic (subscription required) is reporting that the 76ers want an “All-Star-caliber player” in exchange for Simmons. According to Marc Stein, Toronto is one of five teams, along with the Pacers, Cavaliers, Kings, and Timberwolves, that are interested in acquiring Simmons. His defensive potential and versatility could appeal to Nick Nurse.

Considering that Lowry, a Philadelphia native, was linked to the 76ers in trade talks before they passed on him, could he potentially satisfy that requirement and end up playing under Doc Rivers? A trade would be tough to pull off, but there is a path toward making this happen.

Could the Raptors flip Kyle Lowry to Philadelphia for Ben Simmons?

Per Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer, Lowry was eyeing a two-year contract worth around $25 million per year. If they decide to dip into luxury tax territory, they can only receive 125% of the salary they trade away, plus $100,000.

The Sixers would need to give away just under $20 million to make the trade work, per Forbes. The Raptors might need to bring a third team into proceedings, as Simmons’ five-year, $177 million contract could require some extra moving and shuffling to accommodate, but the Raptors need to get on the phone to bring that third party in if they want a deal to get done.

Some Sixers fans might want to keep their Big Three together, but the fact that this rumor is still alive makes it sound like the team is willing to part with Simmons. If the finances work out, the Raptors and 76ers could engage in a very rare trade between division rivals that looks mutually beneficial.

Lowry wants a shot at a ring, so why not get him back to his hometown on a team that needs a veteran ball-handler and shooter? Simmons needs to be in the right role to develop and grow, so why not pair him with a coach in Nick Nurse that can help improve his offensive game while supporting him with backcourt talent?

Losing Lowry would sting, and replacing him with a complete non-shooter in Simmons might be a bit of an awkward fit, but the Raptors could be the team who finally makes Simmons a top-shelf scorer in this league. The risk might be too great for this front office, but they need to do their homework and try to figure out if this can work, both financially and logistically.