Philadelphia 76ers star guard Ben Simmons remains away from the team as he looks to get his mental health in order 10 games into the season.
The latest twist surrounding Simmons is Philadelphia’s decision to re-implement the fines he received during the preseason for sitting out training camp and exhibition action. While Simmons himself has changed his stance relating to meeting with team doctors, there’s still a good chance that the enigmatic three-time All-Star will be dealt.
According to this note from Jake Fischer a total of nine times are still engaged in Ben Simmons trade talks with Philadelphia. Remember, a previous report indicated that the Boston Celtics had been talking to the 76ers about Simmons. Outside of that, let’s look at the remaining clubs still showing interest.
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- Cleveland Cavaliers
- Detroit Pistons
- Houston Rockets
- Indiana Pacers
- Minnesota Timberwolves
- Portland Trail Blazers
- Sacramento Kings
- San Antonio Spurs
- Toronto Raptors
We’ve heard rumors pretty much surrounding all of these teams outside of the Pistons and Rockets. Those are two new entries in the Simmons “sweepstakes.” That could also help create a bit of negotiating power for Philadelphia front office head Daryl Morey.
Ben Simmons trade talks and potential suitors
- It was noted during the summer that San Antonio had interest in Simmons. Things broke down when Philadelphia demanded four first-round picks and two players from the Spurs’ core group. At 3-7 on the season, Gregg Popovich’s squad might be in desperation mode, but nothing close to that asking price will get something done on this front.
- The Kings’ interest is especially intriguing in that they have two players in Buddy Hield and Marvin Bagley III who have fallen out of favor. Would they be enough as centerpieces heading back to Philadelphia? We’re not too sure. With an influx of back-court options, perhaps Sacramento offers up stud sophomore Tyrese Haliburton and opts to play Simmons at power forward next to Harrison Barnes.
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- It seems highly unlikely that Philadelphia would hone in on C.J. McCollum as a potential centerpiece in a deal sending Ben Simmons to the Pacific Northwest. Portland would likely have to get another team involved. But the idea of teaming Simmons up with Damian Lillard could make sense for the struggling Blazers.
- More than any other team on this list, Minnesota has been bandied about as a potential destination the most. The idea would be to move off D’Angelo Russell and other parts (Malik Beasley?) for Simmons. After starting the season out strong, Minnesota has lost four consecutive. For his part, Russell is shooting just 36% from the field.
These are the teams we’ve heard talked about the most. Whether the Cavaliers, Pistons, Rockets, Raptors or Pacers could get involved remains to be seen. Collin Sexton seems to be an ideal fit in Philadelphia. But he’s now out in Cleveland due to a torn meniscus. Detroit doesn’t have a ton of proven assets to offer up the 76ers. Neither does Houston.
As for the Raptors, they could potentially kick the tires on offering up Pascal Siakam for Ben Simmons. This team has performed well early in the season with the likes of Scottie Barnes, OG Anunoby and Fred VanVleet leading the way. Meanwhile, talks between Indiana and Philadelphia broke down with the former balking at the idea of giving up Malcolm Brogdon. As for the Celtics, Jaylen Brown is a no-go in trade talks for Simmons.
It will be interesting to see what comes of this between now and February’s trade deadline. What we do know is that Philadelphia sits at a surprising 8-2 on the season. There’s not going to be a rush to pull off a less-than-favorable Ben Simmons trade.