Just a few weeks ago it was reported that a trade involving the Philadelphia 76ers that was centered around NBA All-Star Ben Simmons was likely to get done ahead of the trade deadline. But, with recent developments, it seems unlikely that Simmons will be on the move anywhere.
For starters, the pool of teams engaged in trade talks involving Simmons has dwindled. The Sacramento Kings and Atlanta Hawks were thought to be potential suitors, especially with the Kings showing a willingness to take on Tobias Harris along with Simmons.
However, the Kings recently pulled out of discussions and directed their attention elsewhere. The 76ers’ asking price and negotiating tactics made it seem like they weren’t interested in making a deal anyway.
But, that hasn’t stopped the 76ers from engaging in trade talks with other teams. One team that has emerged as a potential trade partner is the Washington Wizards. Bradley Beal is one of the players that are on Daryl Morey’s short list of candidates to move Simmons for.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Could Bradley Beal Emerge As Sixers’ Top Option In Ben Simmons Trade?
With his future in Washington up in the air, Beal is a sensible target for Philadelphia. However, the 76ers are unwilling to budge on their offer. They are putting Simmons on the table and virtually nothing else.
According to The Athletic, the 76ers are not making Tyrese Maxey or Matisse Thybulle available in negotiations with the Washington Wizards. Simmons is all they are offering for Bradley Beal.
Philadelphia has made no secret that Beal is on its short list of players for whom it would trade disgruntled guard Ben Simmons, who has sat out all season. But the 76ers won’t include an additional piece, such as exciting young guard Tyrese Maxey, along with Simmons in a potential trade for Beal, per league sources. Philly has similarly held firm that it won’t put third-year forward Matisse Thybulle, a terrific wing defender, in a Simmons package.
If the 76ers are serious about making a deal involving Simmons, they are going to have to adjust their stance. No team is parting ways with an All-Star level player for Simmons one-for-one. Simmons hasn’t played this season and the last time we did see him on the court, he was torpedoing the 76ers’ offense and championship aspirations with his offensive flaws.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Could Bradley Beal Emerge As Sixers’ Top Option In Ben Simmons Trade?
At 25-years old, Simmons does have some upside, but he has not yet been able to unlock that. If there is a coaching staff that believes they can unlock that potential, they could take a shot on him.
But, there aren’t any teams that are going to meet the Philadelphia 76ers current asking price. It takes two to tango and unless they are willing to compromise in some area of negotiations, Simmons is going to remain on the team until the offseason when trade talks can pick up once again.
