The Philadelphia 76ers have been making no shortage of calls around the NBA to find a suitable trade package for NBA All-Star Ben Simmons. With the start of training camp approaching, those efforts are expected only to ramp up.
When the Golden State Warriors initially received a call from 76ers GM Daryl Morey to discuss a potential trade centered around Ben Simmons, the demands were lofty. Philadelphia asked for Andrew Wiggins, James Wiseman, the No. 7 and 14 overall picks in the 2021 NBA Draft, and two future first-round picks. The Warriors declined and hung up the phone.
“The Warriors were among the teams Daryl Morey called during his initial round of over-the-top inquiries,” per Anthony Slater of The Athletic. “That came before the draft. As has been reported, he asked for a package of Andrew Wiggins, James Wiseman, the seventh and 14th picks, and two future first-rounders. There was never bargaining. There was only a decline and a hang-up.”
The Warriors landed Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody with the set of first-round picks they had during the 2021 NBA Draft. Golden State has been given rave reviews for landing both players. They join James Wiseman as the team’s long-term prospects to develop. The 76ers surely would have liked to have had the opportunity to add those prospects after a Ben Simmons trade.
READ MORE: NBA Rumors: 3 Trade Packages For Ben Simmons For 76ers To Consider
It remains to be seen how long the Warriors will keep their young talents. The clock is ticking to win an NBA championship with the core of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green. With teams like the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Lakers stacking up talent, could Golden State face a need to make a consolidation trade for a star?
The rationale makes sense for the Warriors to push their chips to the center of the table in a blockbuster trade. However, Golden State would need to be very confident that Ben Simmons, in particular, is the answer to be willing to part with Jonathan Kuminga.
READ MORE: NBA Rumors: 3 Trade Packages For Ben Simmons For 76ers To Consider
If no star like Bradley Beal or Damian Lillard is available or wants to end up with the Golden State Warriors, could Ben Simmons be a more favored trade target? It’s easy to say that there are better options than Simmons but identifying them has to be considered.
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