These Teams Are Interested In Ben Simmons Trade As Talks Heat Up

Ben Simmons, Philadelphia 76ers, NBA Trade Rumors
NBA Analysis Network

The Philadelphia 76ers may be getting closer to a resolution when it comes to the situation involving NBA All-Star Ben Simmons. While they would love for him to make a return to the court for them, it sounds like they have finally accepted that a trade is the best course of action.

Simmons remains without a timetable to return to the team as he works on improving his mental and physical health. He revealed that he was not mentally ready to return to the court, in addition to getting treatment for an ailing back.

Despite that, Daryl Morey has held steady on what he is expecting in a trade return for Simmons. If anything, his trade value has worsened as the last thing people saw of him on the court was his confidence shattered offensively against the Atlanta Hawks in the second round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs.

Despite that, he is still drawing plenty of trade interest, which isn’t surprising. Despite his flaws, Simmons is a 25-year old All-Star with game-changing defensive abilities and elite rebounding and playmaking skills. You cannot teach the blend of size and athleticism that Simmons possesses, so it makes sense there are still plenty of teams interested in a deal.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Trade Talks Involving 76ers’ Ben Simmons Gaining Momentum

Which teams are looking interested in acquiring Simmons from Philadelphia? The Athletic, a prescription-based website, has the latest update on trade talks centered around the Australian native are heating up.

“The 76ers are ramping up their efforts to spark multi-team trade scenarios to move Simmons, sources said, and a fresh pool of teams has emerged as potential destinations.

The New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers, Minnesota Timberwolves, Portland Trail Blazers, Sacramento Kings, Indiana Pacers and Cleveland Cavaliers are among the teams interested in Simmons, sources said, although it’s unclear how much traction Philadelphia truly has on any move.”

The New York Knicks and Los Angeles Lakers, to an extent, are new organizations entering the fray for Simmons. New York has seen its defense deteriorate during the 2021-22 campaign after a successful first season under head coach Tom Thibodeau. Simmons would help get them back on track on that end of the court and possibly end their drought at the point guard position.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Trade Talks Involving 76ers’ Ben Simmons Gaining Momentum

The Lakers would struggle to build a package strong enough to compete with the other teams mentioned. They are lacking draft capital and the type of impact players that the Philadelphia 76ers are looking to get back in exchange for Simmons.

The Minnesota Timberwolves, Portland Trail Blazers, Sacramento Kings, Indiana Pacers and Cleveland Cavaliers were the most prominently mentioned teams leading up to the regular season. Indiana is staring down a rebuild themselves, so their interest in Simmons could be to make him the new face of the franchise.

Minnesota and Sacramento are looking to end long playoff droughts and Simmons could help push them toward that goal. Portland has reportedly already told Philadelphia that Lillard isn’t going anywhere, so they may no longer be involved, especially with C.J. McCollum sidelined by injury.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Trade Talks Involving 76ers’ Ben Simmons Gaining Momentum

Cleveland has been one of the bigger surprises this season and already has an excellent defense. Their interest in Simmons could be waning as they have a great core group coming together. It might not be worth breaking that up to bring on a player who isn’t going to help them move the needle much offensively, especially in the shooting department.

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