There has been no real progress made toward a resolution in the standoff between the Philadelphia 76ers and NBA All-Star Ben Simmons. Simmons remains away from the team as they look to right the ship after some positive COVID-19 tests derailed their strong 8-2 start.
Philadelphia has done a good job without Simmons in the fold, but it is fair to question how much longer they can sustain their level of play. Being without an All-Star for the duration of the season is not easy.
The organization would love for Simmons to come back and suit up for them again, but that seems unlikely with each passing day. A trade still seems to be what is best for both sides, but Daryl Morey has held steady on his asking price.
He wants a significant package in return and there is reportedly a list of 20-30 players that he has in mind that would fit that criteria. One player who would seem to not be on that list is Portland Trail Blazers shooting guard CJ McCollum.
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According to Zach Lowe in a recent episode of his podcast, the Philadelphia 76ers have never really been interested in acquiring McCollum. If they were going to make a deal with the Portland Trail Blazers, it would be for Damian Lillard.
“My reporting is Philly has really never gotten anywhere in terms of being interested in McCollum. Philly has just been ‘Dame or nothing,'” said Zach Lowe on his podcast on Tuesday.
“Unless, you know there’s been these reports about three picks, or three pick swaps, or blah, blah, blah. I don’t know how real that ever was, but I don’t think there’s ever been any real traction to this point of Philly wanting CJ McCollum.”
That has seemed to be the case for a while. CJ McCollum is a solid player, as he is one of the most consistent shooting guards in the NBA, but he is not at the level of player that Morey has been hoping that he would receive in return for Simmons.
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Ben Simmons’ value isn’t going to improve with him being away from the team. Unless Morey drops his asking price or he surprises people and returns, this is going to be something that is dragged out for an even longer amount of time.
