The Philadelphia 76ers remain consistent in trade negotiations for Ben Simmons. They have not wavered in their asking price, as they want an NBA All-Star caliber player in return for their 25-year old All-Star.
There really is no rush from the 76ers’ perspective, as they started the season off well even without Simmons in the lineup. Prior to some health and safety protocols knocking out a few rotation players, Philadelphia was rolling to an 8-2 start.
Once they are back in good health, they should be able to get back on trade. As for Simmons, trade is what seems to be the likeliest outcome at this point.
Recently, it was reported that the 76ers have a list of players they would like to receive in return for Simmons. The list was about 20-30 players long and included some players who will be available in the next year or two.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Sixers Have ‘Around 30 Players’ On Target List For Ben Simmons Trade
Mapping a plan out that far in advance means that Daryl Morey and the front office are in this for the long haul. They are not going to make a deal unless they get back exactly what they are looking for even if this standoff lasts beyond this season.
Who might be on that leaked list? According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, two of the players are James Harden of the Brooklyn Nets and Jerami Grant of the Detroit Pistons.
“How do you feel about the 76ers bringing Jerami Grant back to Philly? Better yet, what about the Sixers making another attempt to acquire James Harden in exchange for Ben Simmons? Those are two options under consideration by Sixers brass, according to multiple sources.”
The situation remains fluid, but in talks with the Pistons, Saddiq Bey and Kelly Olynyk were reportedly mentioned as possible additions to the deal. Another source said Detroit would not likely part with them, while another added the 76ers would like a more high-profile player than Grant and the teams haven’t spoken recently.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Sixers Have ‘Around 30 Players’ On Target List For Ben Simmons Trade
When it comes to Harden, that deal wouldn’t be done until the offseason. Philadelphia would pursue him as part of a sign-and-trade with the Nets, as Harden didn’t sign his contract extension and is likely going to decline his option to become a free agent.
This wouldn’t be the first time Morey tried reuniting with James Harden, as the Philadelphia 76ers were in the running to acquire him from the Houston Rockets before the Brooklyn Nets did last year.
