With the NBA season in full gear, Philadelphia 76ers star Ben Simmons and his team continue to be mired in drama that is usually reserved for day-time television and reality shows.
Following an off-season in which Simmons requested a trade and remained away from the organization until the fines reached seven figures, there’s now more information on this front.
Multiple media reports indicate that things are getting more serious as it relates to Ben Simmons trade talks. Later in the week, players who signed contracts during the summer will be eligible to be traded. That changes the dynamics as it relates to talks between Philadelphia and other teams surrounding Simmons.
Below, we look at four ideal trade scenarios involving the three-time All-Star point guard.
Related: Updated NBA power rankings
Ben Simmons trade to the New York Knicks
- Knicks get: Ben Simmons
- 76ers get: Domantas Sabonis, Caris LeVert
- Pacers get: R.J. Barrett, Obi Toppin, Kevin Knox, Kemba Walker, first-round pick (from Knicks)
Now, this would be the blockbuster to end all in-season blockbusters. Right now, reports suggest that Philadelphia is looking at three-team trade possibilities. Meanwhile, the Knicks have emerged as a potential suitor for the defensive stopper.
There’d obviously have to be other moving parts here depending on what Indiana might ask for to help facilitate a trade. What we do know is that the Pacers are open to initiating a full-scale rebuild. Adding Barrett, Toppin and a future first-round pick for Sabonis would be ideal.
As for Philadelphia, it teams Joel Embiid up with one of the most-skilled bigs in the game. Add in the presence of Tobias Harris, and that might be one of the best frontcourts in the game. Meanwhile, the 76ers can team LeVert up with rising star Tyrese Maxey in the backcourt while moving Seth Curry to a Sixth Man role.
Related: Updated NBA trade rumors
Ben Simmons trade to the Sacramento Kings
- Kings get: Ben Simmons, Matisse Thybulle
- 76ers get: De’Aaron Fox, Marvin Bagley III
These are the centerpieces in a potential trade sending Simmons to his preferred landing spot of California. However, other moving parts would have to be involved. A lot of that depeneds on how Philadelphia values Fox and whether it might have to throw a pick or two to the Kings.
What we do know is that the 23-year-old De’Aaron Fox might in fact be dealt ahead of February’s NBA trade deadline. His numbers are pretty much down across the board, and the youngster could use a change of scenery. He’d be a tremendous fit with Maxey in Philadelphia’s backcourt and would potentially give Philadelphia that franchise cornerstone it is seeking for Simmons.
From Sacramento’s perspective, it just makes too much sense. The team’s roster is uneven with too many guards. Moving off Fox while playing Simmons at power forward would work well. It would create a core group of Tyrese Haliburton, Davion Mitchell and Simmons to build around moving forward.
Ben Simmons trade to the Portland Trail Blazers
- Trail Blazers get: Ben Simmons
- 76ers get: C.J. McCollum, Anfernee Simons, two first-round picks
Portland’s interest in Simmons is by now well known. It’s also known that interim general manager Joe Cronin is not going to part with Damian Lillard following the firing of Neil Olshey. That was a hold-up in previous discussions between Philadelphia and Portland.
This might no longer be the case. Recent reports suggest that the Blazers are willing to trade Simons and multiple picks to land Dame that defensive-minded perimeter player he seeks. It might be a high cost to pay. But the status quo just isn’t working in the Pacific Northwest right now.
From the 76ers’ perspective, they could either hold on to Simons or flip him with picks for another player. McCollum also seems to be a better fit with Embiid, Harris and an ascending talent in Tyrese Maxey. Of all the potential Simmons deals, this could make the most sense.
Ben Simmons trade to the Los Angeles Lakers
- Lakers get: Ben Simmons, Danny Green
- 76ers get: Russell Westbrook, Austin Reaves, two first-round picks, two second-round picks
Los Angeles is yet another team who has shown interest in Simmons recently. The issue here are assets. Would Philadelphia really take on Russell Westbrook and his bloated contract as the centerpiece in a potential Ben Simmons trade? We’re not too sure. The Lakers are also limited in the draft picks they can give up (first-rounders in 2026 and 2028).
If they make these picks unprotected, it might entice Philadelphia as pieces front office head Daryl Morey can move for other proven talent. As for Russ, the former NBA MVP has played better as of late after struggling initially. He’s averaging 20.4 points, 7.0 rebounds and 8.2 assists on 49% shooting over the past 11 games. He’d work well with Embiid.
The Lakers’ interest in Simmons is interesting in that they have spacing issues. Adding another non-shooter to the mix to team up with Anthony Davis might not work. Even then, this deal would create one of the most-dynamic defensive groups in the Association.