The Philadelphia 76ers have not wavered when it comes to trade negotiations involving NBA All-Star Ben Simmons. Simmons requested a trade months ago, but the organization has not changed their asking price for him, as they are holding firm on what they want.
Daryl Morey is holding out for an All-Star caliber player and the 76ers are willing to wait as long as it takes to get what they are looking for. Recently, it was revealed that there is a physical list of players that the team would consider moving Simmons for.
No one knows who is exactly on the list, but there are reportedly 20-30 players on there. Not coincidentally, that is essentially the size of the All-Star rosters every season, so Philadelphia has very specific players that they are targeting in a return package.
On a recent appearance on The HoopsHype Podcast, Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report provided some insight into the Simmons saga. Philadelphia is going to remain patient because they know there are going to be opportunities to land All-Star level players.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Sixers Bold Stance On Lakers’ Russell Westbrook For Ben Simmons Trade
Jaylen Brown of the Boston Celtics, James Harden of the Brooklyn Nets and Bradley Beal of the Washington Wizards are who Fischer named specifically.
“They know there are potential opportunities to see if Jaylen Brown becomes available sometime before next season, to see if James Harden ultimately decides not to go back to Brooklyn, to see Bradley Beal.”
Morey is in no rush, and rightfully so. The 76ers have a centerpiece already in Joel Embiid and they must maximize his prime by adding the right pieces around him. They will only have one shot at trading Simmons, so they have to get it right the first time.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Sixers Bold Stance On Lakers’ Russell Westbrook For Ben Simmons Trade
The player that Philadelphia really wants is Damian Lillard of the Portland Trail Blazers. Portland has let it be known that he is not available at this time, but acquiring him to pair with Embiid is their ultimate end goal.
“I think the Sixers were definitely open to moving him for someone like Damian Lillard, Beal, or Harden. Short of that, they believe Ben is their best chance right now and the best possible addition to get this team back to where they were last year as the top team in the East.”
Getting Simmons back in the lineup would certainly help the team’s defense, which is 21st in defensive rating this season. The offense, after a hot start to the season, is producing at a similar rate that they did with Simmons last season.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Sixers Bold Stance On Lakers’ Russell Westbrook For Ben Simmons Trade
While people want a resolution to this, the Philadelphia 76ers have every right to take things as slowly as they want. They do not want to trade Ben Simmons if they do not have to and are hoping that he returns to the court to play for him. If not, they will trade him once someone meets their asking price.
