The Ben Simmons sweepstakes continue and with the NBA trade deadline approaching (February 10), let’s take a look at several situations around the league that could be landing spots for the Sixers star.
What Makes Sense in Brooklyn?
Back in January, Sixers GM Daryl Morey reportedly offered Simmons for James Harden and GM Sean Marks flatly told Morey “no.”
There are conflicting reports on Harden’s situation, however, with some recent rumblings that Brooklyn would be open to a Simmons-Harden deal so long that Seth Curry is in the deal.
Doc Rivers’ son-in-law would surely help the Nets this season and if Harden wants out, making that two-for-one isn’t a bad option for the Nets. Whether or not Simmons has plans to return to the court this season would likely be a key proponent in this deal coming to fruition. If Simmons isn’t playing (or Kevin Durant isn’t convinced that Simmons will play), there’s an extremely low probability of this trade happening this week.
Kings Offer Might Still Be Best Bet
Sacramento’s offer of Tyrese Haliburton, Buddy Hield, and Harrison Barnes, which may not even be on the table, puts the team in a position to compete today while giving them a blue-chip prospect to grow with long-term or utilize as a centerpiece in a trade later.
Sacramento has some urgency here, as we previously detailed, and if Simmons returns this year, it’s hard to envision Kings’ ownership scoffing at including another first-rounder or whatever Morey realistically desires when the result would be a franchise player and a chance to rise to the play-in tournament this spring.
Still, this is a situation where the Sixers only have leverage if there’s certainty that the 3-time All-Star will play. Without that, Sacramento can just wait for the offseason for any real hope at him or a franchise-changing player.
What’s Going On With The Wizards?
Swapping Bradley Beal for Ben has both fan bases excited but there’s bound to be bickering over which side should give up additional assets. Such a deal coming to fruition would likely involve other players, shuffling chairs with Tobias Harris, Davis Bertans, and/or other veterans heading up or down 1-95 to call a new franchise home.
Over the past two years, all signs have indicated that Beal was in Washington for the long haul and there would only be a trade if the shooting guard requested it. Has the tide shifted? It’s hard to say. Players are always evaluating options and this is simply a critical point to do so. It’s likely Beal remains with the Wizards through the deadline but regardless, there’s no doubt that this team is working the phones to make trades for players independent of Beal.
What Can Blazers Offer?
Portland has long been tied to Simmons rumors and Damian Lillard is surely aware of how badly Philadelphia wants him to join the Sixers. Lillard remains out after undergoing abdomen surgery and aside from him, it’ll be rather difficult for the team to put together a feasible offer for Simmons, especially after the Robert Covington–Norman Powell trade. And no, the CJ McCollum-based packages are unlikely to truly pique Morey’s interest.
Latest On Other Teams Linked To Simmons
Pacers – Seems much less likely as a destination after the club traded Caris LeVert to Cleveland. Perhaps they route Domantas Sabonis elsewhere for assets to send Philly. Yet, it’s hard to see this happening even if Indiana would be alright with Simmons not playing this season.
Thunder – If Philly wants a pick-laced package, look no further than this franchise. OKC has certainly considered the SGA-Simmons swap, though, without assurance that Simmons would buy in during a trade (and the front office is able to properly build around him), it simply isn’t going to happen before the deadline.
Cavaliers – Simmons is reportedly open to playing for Cleveland, though the club just surrendered their 2022 first-rounder in the LeVert and it appears the team is attempting to further build on its early-season success without giving up a major pillar (such as Darius Garland or Evan Mobley).
