Ben Simmons rumors continue and there’s a lot to unpack.
The Sixers and Nets continue to have discussions about a star swap that would see Simmons heading to Brooklyn and James Harden arriving in Philadelphia. It won’t be as simple as a one-for-one deal, however.
Brooklyn is looking to have additional players—those who could immediately help Kevin Durant & Co. compete for a title—included. Multiple reports have indicated that the Nets want Seth Curry, Matisse Thybulle, and Andre Drummond in the deal. Such a move would stock the Nets up for a championship run but also deplete one of their top opponents in the Eastern Conference, as we recently explained. As of this writing, it doesn’t appear the Sixers are willing to give up that kind of a haul to bring the former MVP to Southeastern Pennsylvania.
It’s likely that Philadelphia will have a chance to executive a sign-and-trade this offseason if the Nets and Sixers both keep their stars. According to Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer, Daryl Morey & Co. are comfortable waiting until then.
“Sixers have said they’re content with waiting until this summer to move Simmons in order to keep their young standouts.”
While word in the Philadelphia media room is that the team will be patient, there’s a middle-ground to be had between the two sides. Leaks from Simmons’ camp indicate that they are confident that a deal will get done.
Philadelphia Cancels Thursday’s Practice
For what it’s worth, the Sixers canceled their practice on Thursday. When asked whether the franchise will have the same roster on Friday, Doc Rivers gave a brief answer: “I don’t know. Good trick question, though.”
