The storyline surrounding NBA All-Star Ben Simmons and the Philadelphia 76ers continues on but has been put on the backburner a bit as the season has begun. The Sixers do not seem to be in a rush to move Simmons if they do not get the right return. This is the smart thing to do if Philadelphia wants an impact performer back.

The Portland Trail Blazers could be one of the teams interested in a blockbuster deal for Simmons. This is because of the names that have come up in trade rumors for Portland. This begins with Damian Lillard.

There was speculation that the All-Star point guard might be interested in a change of location but he has gone against these talks. Lillard has not requested a trade and it is unknown if he plans to at all. If this is the case, CJ McCollum could be the biggest piece left in Portland to move in a deal.

As for the Sixers, they are prepared to move on without Simmons. They will still be one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference. Joel Embiid is an elite big man that has MVP potential if he is able to remain on the floor. Philadelphia has a chance to make a splash but will not do so until they get a productive player in return.

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Daryl Morey has made plenty of moves to help Philadelphia in a short period of time and this is only going to continue. The fact that they are not rushing into a deal says plenty about the course of action the front office has in mind.

This is one deal that could move the needle for both sides. Let’s take a look and see how Simmons could end up in Portland at some point this season.