We are now heading towards the year 2022 and Ben Simmons is still a member of the Philadelphia 76ers. All offseason long, the main trade discussions were centered around Simmons and the Sixers, yet here we are just a month within the NBA trade deadline still talking about this nonsense! 

The 3-time All-Star has not played since the 76ers lost in the Eastern Conference Semifinals to the Atlanta Hawks and has not been doing anything with Philadelphia, citing “mental health” as the reason for him not being ready to play. 

Every single day, the 76ers continue to search for ways to set their organization up for the most success and now with the NBA trade deadline just over one month away, it appears that trade talks centered around Simmons are beginning to gain steam again. 

According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, the Philadelphia 76ers are “ramping up their efforts” in trade talks centered around Simmons and there are a handful of teams interested in him. Charania mentioned the Lakers, Timberwolves, Trail Blazers, Kings, Pacers, Cavaliers and interestingly the Knicks as teams inquiring about him. 

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: These Teams Are Interested In Ben Simmons Trade As Talks Heat Up

Currently 17-19 on the season, the New York Knicks have struggled this season and their identity on defense seems to be lost and they could use a facilitator. New York ranked 3rd in the league in defensive rating a season ago, propelling them to the 4-seed in the Eastern Conference.

Given that the Knicks and 76ers are in the Atlantic Division and in the Eastern Conference together, it is hard to believe that they would pull off a blockbuster trade involving Ben Simmons, but New York needs to better themselves defensively and Simmons is a Defensive Player of the Year caliber talent. 

Could the Knicks be the team to pull off a shocking trade for Ben Simmons this season? Let’s take a look at one offer New York may send to Philadelphia.