PHILADELPHIA — Ben Simmons remains on the Sixers roster and anyone looking for a quick resolution isn’t likely to be appeased. There’s an “overwhelming sense” among NBA insiders that Simmons will remain with the team when training camp begins on September 28, as Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report notes.
Earlier in the month, FortyEightMinutes.com reported that some around the league believe Simmons will be with Philadelphia through at least the start of the season. The Sixers continue to look for an All-Star in exchange for the former No. 1 overall pick and aren’t expected to just take any kind of best-available deal, sources confirm.
“Daryl isn’t going to fold,” one source told FortyEightMinutes.com via text when asked about the latest reports. “He’s not going settle for a package.”
The timeline shifts dramatically if Damian Lillard requests out of Portland, something that’s not expected to happen at this time. Talks around the league is that Lillard will give Portland a chance under new coach Chauncey Billups.
Philadelphia has Lillard and Bradley Beal atop its list of stars that it’s hoping to trade for, though like Lillard, Beal isn’t available. Washington won’t trade Beal unless the shooting guard asks out and given his excitement about Tommy Sheppard’s offseason work, that is unlikely to happen any time soon, sources reiterate to FortyEightMinutes.com.
If the Sixers do end up “settling” for a package of players and picks, we know they have a high asking price.
Prior to the draft, it was reported that Sixers had trade discussions with the Warriors, asking Bob Myers & Co. for a package that included James Wiseman, Andrew Wiggins, the No. 7 and No. 14 overall picks (became Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody) in the 2021 draft as well as two future first-round picks.
The team asked for four first-rounders, three pick swaps, and a young player in talks with the Spurs for Simmons, according to The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor (podcast link). Philadelphia reportedly wanted Kyle Lowry (via sign-and-trade), Fred VanVleet, OG Anunoby, and the No. 4 overall pick at the NBA draft from the Raptors in exchange for the three-time All-Star.
The Sixers have some hurdles to overcome with bringing back Simmons (even if it’s temporary) like his relationship with Coach Doc Rivers, which is reportedly on shaky grounds. However, the front office has its eyes on what is best long-term and prioritizes that over any short-term awkward situation.
