5 reasons Miami Heat should take Ben Simmons in a Damian Lillard trade

Reason #4: Miami Heat Culture

It’s been well-documented over recent years the struggles Simmons has had from a mental standpoint. He once was a highly touted prospect with NBA superstar aspirations. While he’s had a fall from grace, leading to him being traded and not playing all that much, if any team can help him get back on track, it’s the Heat.

All the talk this past season was about how the Heat did so well to develop numerous undrafted players. They’ve given many players chances to be great who were constantly told they wouldn’t make it in the NBA. With their player development, and the patience they’ve shown with their homegrown players (Duncan Robinson is a great example), there is a world where Simmons gets back on the court and contributes at a high level for the Heat.

While it’s hard to say that will happen for sure, if I had to put money on any team helping Simmons get his confidence back, I would bet on the Miami Heat and their famous “Heat Culture.” Even if the Heat can help Simmons be good enough as a bench piece, that should be considered a win. If Damian Lillard can continue to be Damian Lillard in Miami, and Simmons can contribute even the slightest amount on the court, the Heat have a high chance of winning at least one title and making this risky trade worth it.