The Philadelphia 76ers still haven’t traded NBA All-Star Ben Simmons over 30 games into the 2021-22 season. With the team treading water and not looking close to being a contender, could the team look to make a move closer to the February deadline?
There was reportedly greater momentum moving toward a potential trade involving Simmons before the heavy wave of positive COVID testing results swept through the NBA. As a result, trade talks around the league as a whole were quieted as teams had greater priorities to deal with.
When detailing the latest on Ben Simmons trade rumors, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski highlighted the Cleveland Cavaliers as ‘one team to watch.’
The Cleveland Cavaliers are one team to watch in trade talks for Simmons. The Cavs previously had interest in the disgruntled Philadelphia 76ers star. Cleveland’s good start to the season, plus Simmons fitting their roster’s timeline age-wise, make them a good match for Simmons.
Wojnarowski mentioned the Indiana Pacers, Minnesota Timberwolves and Sacramento Kings as also being expected to show ‘renewed interest.’
The Indiana Pacers, Minnesota Timberwolves and Sacramento Kings are also expected to show renewed interest in getting a trade done for Simmons.
There are complications with each of the teams who continue to be linked to Simmons as a potential trade destinations. All of them have the common theme of not having or being willing to part with a dynamic enough player to entice the 76ers in a trade package.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Cleveland Cavaliers Are ‘Team To Watch’ In Ben Simmons Trade Talks
The Indiana Pacers would be making a move for Ben Simmons because they feel he would be their top player right from the start. However, with two of their top players being centers and Malcolm Brogdon being trade ineligible this season, what exactly would be enticing about an offer from them? Would they be willing to part with Chris Duarte and a lot of first round picks?
It’s clear where the limitations lie with the Sacramento Kings. They have reportedly viewed De’Aaron Fox and Tyrese Haliburton as ‘untouchables’ in trade discussions. Without either of those players being in the mix for a deal, there’s little the Kings have to make an appealing trade package.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Cleveland Cavaliers Are ‘Team To Watch’ In Ben Simmons Trade Talks
The Minnesota Timberwolves would need to hope the 76ers are very fond of D’Angelo Russell since they are surely unwilling to part with Anthony Edwards.
All of these teams appear to be in a position to wait the situation out with Ben Simmons and hope the Philadelphia 76ers gradually run out of interested trade suitors and become willing to accept an actively diminishing trade package the longer this all drags out.
