Ben Simmons trade talks were pretty much front and center around the NBA rumor mill during the summer. They died down some once training camp started and after Simmons opted not to join his team.
Now that the three-time All-Star has reported and taken his physical, we’re not sure where things stand. What we do know is that Simmons still wants to be dealt. Likely, he only reported to avoid continuing fines which had already resulted in $1 million in cold hard cash.
According to this note from Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report, the expectation around the league is that talks about a potential Ben Simmons trade will pick up in December.
“It seems the chances of any Simmons trade, according to multiple sources with knowledge of the situation, will grow significantly larger in late December than anytime soon, barring any change in a rival team’s circumstances,” Fischer reported.
More than anything, Philadelphia’s asking price for Simmons led to the situation where in right now with him still being a member of the team. Front office head Daryl Morey reportedly demanded both Warriors 2021 NBA Draft lottery picks, James Wiseman and Andrew Wiggins as well as two future first-round picks for Simmons. A similar demand was made to the San Antonio Spurs.
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“I think there’s going to be some adjustments, but it doesn’t need to be awkward. We’re all professionals. We want to win. He gives me the best chance to win. We’re going to be fine.”
Joel Embiid on Ben Simmons reporting
That’s fine in theory. But they are also human. Embiid attempted to reach out and meet with Simmons last month, only to be turned away. There’s now suggestions that Simmons doesn’t want to play with the reigning NBA MVP finalist. Meanwhile, fans in Philadelphia have turned on Simmons big time.
There’s a real chance that this could get ugly. A lot of that will depend on how Philadelphia performance leading up to December following a premature exit in the playoffs last season. Struggles in that regard will magnify the issues and likely expedite a Ben Simmons trade.