The Philadelphia 76ers have held onto Ben Simmons all season, waiting for the opportunity to trade him for another superstar. With the NBA trade deadline closing in, it’s reportedly unlikely that president of basketball operations Daryl Morey gets his wish.
Following a rough performance in the NBA Playoffs, Simmons stopped talking to 76ers’ teammates and demanded a trade. While he eventually reported for training camp, the All-Star guard hasn’t taken the court this season and it has already cost him more than $19 million in fines.
Despite his limitations as a shooter, numerous NBA teams have called Philadelphia to inquire about a trade. However, a high asking price and Philadelphia’s insistence that another organization eats the Tobias Harris contract have pushed general managers away. It’s all seemingly been orchestrated by Morey to keep Simmons in Philadelphia until another superstar became available.
Finally, the perfect situation seemed to emerge. Brooklyn Nets star James Harden is reportedly disgruntled, planning to test the open market with interest in reuniting with Morey. Because of it, with the Nets wanting to get something for him, talks between Brooklyn and Philadelphia are expected to begin this week.
It seemingly offered Morey an opportunity for the perfect outcome, flipping an absent Simmons for Harden to pair another star with Joel Embiid before the 76ers make a run at the NBA Finals. However, the latest reporting from Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer suggests a deal isn’t happening.
- Ben Simmons contract: $33 million (2021-’22), $35.45 million (2022-’23), $37.9 million (2023-’23) and $40.34 million (2024-’25)
Pompey reported Monday that despite recent links suggesting a Harden trade is possible, Simmons is unlikely to be moved by the NBA trade deadline on Thursday. While Philadelphia is very interested in making a deal happen, Brooklyn is reportedly willing to let things play out before making a more informed decision this offseason.
Keeping Simmons past Feb. 10 is the worst-case scenario for Morey. While he made it clear he’s willing to drag this out, the wasted roster spot and loss of an impact player are devastating to Philadelphia’s title hopes. Even if a sign-and-trade is likely this summer, that means the 76ers will have to make an aging Harden one of the highest-paid NBA players without first being able to see how he fits alongside Embiid.