Ben Simmons being traded seems inevitable, especially after sources confirmed to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski that the 76ers All-Star will not report for the opening of training camp next week and intends to never play another game for the franchise.
To make matters worse, Simmons reportedly hasn’t spoken to the team since a late August meeting when he communicated that he wants out to 76ers officials. Simmons is clearly aware of that the team could fine and suspend him, including withholding of salary. However, so far, he appears to be willing to carry out a plan of forcing his way out of Philadelphia.
The only issue standing in the way of that? The team having yet to find a trade they’re willing to make for him.
Philadelphia wants to win now and according to Tom Moore of The Bucks County Courier Times, the club has about 5-10 players in mind as suitable targets in a Simmons deal. Yet, most, if not all, of those players are likely unavailable. That list certainly includes Damian Lillard and Bradley Beal.
In terms of the odds for Simmons’ next team, the Portland Trail Blazers are the current betting favorites.
- Portland Trail Blazers: -120
- Houston Rockets: +250
- Minnesota Timberwolves: +325
- Golden State Warriors: +750
- Sacramento Kings: +900
- San Antonio Spurs: +1200
- Los Angeles Lakers: +1500
*via @oddschecker
Our very own Chris Crouse notes that nearly every team on this list will need another team to get involved unless the 76ers are willing to take back a pick-heavy package (which they have shown no indication of).
Let’s examine a few of the possible destinations for Ben Simmons:
- Blazers: It seems unlikely that the Blazers land Simmons in a deal that won’t send Lillard to the 76ers.
- Rockets: Rockets are working on a trade for John Wall and sending him back to the Eastern Conference makes sense if it means acquiring a player of Simmons’ caliber. To double down on that Evan Dammarell of Fear The Sword reported that Houston has a serious interest in Simmons, and trade between the two sides could involve John Wall heading to Philadelphia.
- Timberwolves: Meanwhile, the Timberwolves are still seeking ways to acquire Simmons according to Jon Krawcynski of The Athletic, but the team has been reluctant to include Anthony Edwards and D’Angelo Russell in any potential deal.
- Cavaliers: Cleveland certainly looks like a dark horse team in the Simmons’ sweepstakes. While it’s been widely reported that Simmons would prefer a trade to either Golden State or one of the Los Angeles teams, the 25-year-old would be open to playing for the Cavaliers. That seems like a green light on Simmons’ end, which means it could be up to the 76ers and Cavs to come to terms for the All-Star.
But then again, although these teams look like the ideal landing spots, several other teams including the Raptors, Pacers, Kings, and Warriors have all been in contact with Daryl Morey & Co.
