PHILADELPHIA — Ben Simmons was not present during the team’s first official day of training camp.
While the team continues to communicate that they want Simmons back on the floor, the organization is also evaluating trade offers for the three-time All-Star. Jeff Zillgitt of USA Today hears that the front office is targeting Western Conference franchises as potential trade partners.
The Timberwolves, Nuggets, and Spurs are among the teams interested in Simmons, as Brandon ‘Scoop B’ Robinson of Bally Sports recently reported. For Minnesota, a starting point between the two sides would be D’Angelo Russell, though given the friendship between Russell and star Karl-Anthony Towns, that might be a tricky situation to navigate.
The Sixers reportedly asked for four first-rounders, three pick swaps, and a young player in Simmons trade talks with the Spurs. No word on which player Philadelphia was eyeing in that failed proposal.
The Nuggets’ interest in Simmons is…interesting. Simmons would be a nice fit in the frontcourt alongside MVP Nikola Jokic, though unless they are willing to part with Jamal Murray, they are limited in what they can offer outside of future picks after Michael Porter Jr. signed his rookie-scale extension earlier in the week.
There are, of course, other Western Conference teams that could get into the mix, including the Rockets. Simmons thought he was heading to Houston for James Harden last season and the team was reportedly looking to trade for the All-Star prior to the start of the training camp.
5 Non-Ben Simmons Things From Sixers Media Day
Here are some non-Ben Simmons things you might have missed from Philadelphia’s media day:
- Danny Green believes that Tyrese Maxey is more than capable of manning the team’s starting point guard spot in Simmons’ absence. “Special,” Green told FortyEightMinutes and other media. “And I’m sure everybody can see that.”
- First-round pick Jaden Springer has only been at the Sixers’ facility for a couple of weeks, but he can already feel how close the team is. “I can already feel like everyone is together…everyone is in the gym and they like to get that work in,” Springer told FortyEightMinutes and other media during Philadelphia’s media day.
- Isaiah Joe says shooting is something that’s still always looking to improve and added that it was the main focus of his offseason training. “I strive to be the best shooter on the court at all times.” Joe, who had to leave Summer League with a knee sprain, says he’s 100% healthy.
- Paul Reed has three goals for his second season: Helping his team win the championship, making the rookie vs. sophomore game, and shooting 45 percent from three.
- Tyrese Maxey said the rumors that his agency (Klutch Sports, which also represents Simmons) wanted him out of Philadelphia were simply not sure. Maxey also clarified the rumors of his role in Adam Sandler’s movie, Hustle, which was partially filmed in Philadelphia, telling the media that he’s playing himself in the movie.
