The Philadelphia 76ers have recently re-engaged teams in hopes of finding a deal that works for them centered around NBA All-Star Ben Simmons. Two and three-team deals are being discussed as Daryl Morey and the 76ers’ front office are determined to find the best deal possible.
There is reportedly a list of 20-30 players that the 76ers would like to acquire in a deal involving Simmons. Jaylen Brown, Damian Lillard, James Harden and Bradley Beal are some of the names that have been mentioned as possible targets.
Right now, none of those players have been made available. The Trail Blazers have said that Lillard will not be made available in trade talks. Boston has not indicated that they are ready to move Brown.
Harden, despite not agreeing to a contract extension with the Nets, loves Brooklyn and is in pursuit of a title alongside Kevin Durant. Beal is in a similar situation to Harden, as he doesn’t have a long-term commitment to the Washington Wizards but has given no indication that he wishes to be elsewhere.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: This Blazers-Sixers Trade Pairs Damian Lillard, Joel Embiid
Philadelphia has made it clear that they have no problem waiting things out, as they are intent on landing an impact player in return for Simmons. They would love for him to return to the court and play for them, but that seems like a long shot at this point.
The 76ers will bide their time, patiently waiting for a superstar player to become available. While Portland has said Lillard isn’t available and he has doubled and tripled down on his commitment to the Trail Blazers, the 76ers and other organizations believe he will eventually request a trade.
Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report recently reported as much.
“Damian Lillard has preached his unwavering commitment to the Portland Trail Blazers, but the Sixers and other teams around the league remain optimistic he could eventually request a trade prior to the 2022-23 season.”
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: This Blazers-Sixers Trade Pairs Damian Lillard, Joel Embiid
While parting ways seems inevitable for the Philadelphia 76ers and Ben Simmons, it does not sound like a deal will come together anytime soon.
Damian Lillard is atop the 76ers’ wishlist as the player they want to make Joel Embiid’s sidekick. Unless something unexpected occurs, it could be months until we see a deal centered around Simmons being completed.
