Sixers rumors: Ben Simmons “in step” with efforts to trade him

The Ben Simmons rumors are flying fast and furious, with ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowksi reporting that Philadelphia is “canvassing the league” in search of a trade partner. There has been endless speculation on when and how a Simmons trade might play out, but it’s looking increasingly likely that the Sixers‘ All-Star will be dealt before the 2021-22 season.

Woj later commented on the Sixers’ asking price, which remains significant. He dubbed it “Harden-esque,” with rumors surfacing that San Antonio was asked for four first-round picks and three pick swaps in a recent negotiation.

That is a generous assessment of Simmons’ current value, but it does show Morey is taking the right approach. Simmons is a 25-year-old with a loaded résumé and four guaranteed years on his contract. If Damian Lillard and Bradley Beal fall out of the Sixers’ reach (at least in the short-term), then it will take a significant haul to pull Simmons away.

Perhaps the most notable tidbit from Woj, however, is that Simmons and his agent, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul, are “in step” with Philadelphia’s efforts to trade him. That comes as no surprise, but it does mean the writing is officially on the wall, with both team and player anxious to move on.

Ben Simmons appears ready to move on, and the Sixers are working hard to find a trade partner.

This is not a trade demand, and frankly, Simmons has very little sway over his eventual destination. He can grow louder in his protestation, sure, and that may harm the Sixers’ negotiating position, but with four years on his contract and a dicey playoff record, it’s not as if Simmons can force his way to a specific team.

Morey is a smart and measured GM, and he will doubtlessly wait until a suitable offer is made. Teams should still appreciate all Simmons does on the basketball court, even if his second-round struggles are worthy of legitimate concern. Consider me skeptical of getting four picks and three swaps, but the Sixers should comfortably demand a healthy return in the same atmosphere as Jrue Holiday, if not James Harden. Simmons’ age, contract, and two-way versatility are too valuable to sell low on.

In regards to Spurs rumor, which came from Kevin O’Connor on a recent episode of The Mismatch, it is notable that San Antonio said no — and, if I am to dabble in pure speculation, probably said no rather emphatically. Morey will eventually have to back down from outrageous demands, but by that same token, teams will eventually up their offers once negotiations get more serious. Ben Simmons is a 6-foot-10 point guard who can defend five positions, lead the NBA in assists, and on a good night, function as an efficient inside scorer. Morey cannot and will not budge.

Any expectations of Simmons starting the season in Philadelphia are out the window. It’s not impossible, but it is highly improbable, with the situation edging closer and closer to untenable. Simmons probably does not want to play with his name in trade talks every other hour, and Morey will no doubt want to smooth things over and get a roster set before training camp.

The NBA is a flexible and ever-changing league. We can never really know what happens next. That said, we are officially on lookout duty as far as a potential Ben Simmons trade goes.