Basketball Reference (Player Info) https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/s/simmobe01.html


HoopsRumors https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2021/08/community-shootaround-where-will-ben-simmons-land.html

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We’ve reached what is generally considered the slow point of the summer, and while there are still some free agents available on the market, there’s really only one domino left to fall to wrap up this offseason: the resolution of the messy, public deterioration of the relationship between the Sixers and Ben Simmons.

Today’s news that Simmons doesn’t plan to report to training camp kicked off a fresh frenzy of speculation, with beat writers for multiple teams, most notably the Kings and Timberwolves, exploring those teams’ respective chances of landing the three-time All Star.

The Kings currently hold the best odds of landing Simmons, according to MyBookie.ag, at +275, followed by the Wolves (+400), the Warriors (+550), Blazers (+900), Spurs (+1200) and Wizards (+1900). Meanwhile, PointsBet has the Kings and Blazers at +150 each, with the Warriors at +250.

As befitting a player as complicated to build around as Ben Simmons, there are tricky questions facing each of his prospective suitors.

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The Kings are desperate for a move that significantly alters the trajectory of the franchise, but are reportedly unlikely to include De’Aaron Fox or Tyrese Haliburton in a deal. That leaves Harrison Barnes, Buddy Hield, Marvin Bagley, and possibly this year’s ninth pick Davion Mitchell, as well as future picks, as the foundation for a deal.

Hield’s shooting would undoubtedly help the Sixers, as would Barnes’ all-around game, but both offer similar skillsets/roles to Seth Curry and Tobias Harris, respectively. Bagley is only a few years removed from being the number two pick and has flashed some interesting potential, shooting 34% from three this season while being an athletic rim roller and rebounder at 6’11. But his defense remains questionable and his overall game hasn’t progressed much in three years, partially due to a series of injuries that have kept him from getting a rhythm.

Mitchell, on the other hand, offers something the Sixers could desperately use. A tenacious defender with the ability to hit pull-up threes or function off-ball, thanks to his time playing alongside Jared Butler at Baylor, Mitchell could hold interest for the Sixers. But is he ready, as a rookie, to be the main point guard on a team with championship aspirations? At 22, he’s more ready-made than some rookie point guards, but that’s still a tough ask, as well as a tough sell for cornerstone Joel Embiid.

The Wolves could put together an interesting package, with D’Angelo Russell, Malik Beasley, Jaden McDaniels, Patrick Beverley, and possibly Leandro Bolmaro as pieces that could go into a deal. If the team were to trade Russell, Beasley and picks, it’s not hard to see the appeal of surrounding offensive star talents Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards with lockdown defenders Beverley, Simmons, and McDaniels. Not to mention, McDaniels, Beverley, Towns and Edwards represents the most shooting Simmons would have been surrounded by in his career.

But is it enough? Theoretically the shooting and playmaking of Russell, combined with the shooting and attacking of Beasley, fit what the Sixers need, but it’s hardly the king’s ransom Morey has been asking for. Bolmaro is an interesting, but unproven piece, and the Wolves have their first-round picks moving forward. Wolves president Gersson Rosas also has a longstanding relationship with Morey, having worked under him for years with the Rockets.

The Warriors are perhaps the most interesting team on this list, as they have both the contracts and the young talent to make a deal work. Andrew Wiggins and Draymond Green are both making upwards of $24MM per year, while James Wiseman, Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, and even young breakout wings like Jordan Poole and Juan Toscano-Anderson could be interesting trade chips.

Now, it’s almost unthinkable the Warriors would trade Green, and with Harris at the power forward spot, it’s unclear how much the Sixers would value him. Wiggins, Wiseman, one of their other young players, and future picks might not be the prettiest package for the Sixers, but there is clear value to Wiggins manning the small forward spot in Philly, and to adding depth on the bench. The problem is that would leave the Sixers without a starting point guard, which would likely necessitate a third team entering the mix.

The Blazers could see Simmons as the move to keep semi-disgruntled star Damian Lillard in the fold, though outside of CJ McCollum, Portland has little by means of assets. It’s also unclear how much a clean McCollum-for-Simmons swap would significantly change the Blazers’ trajectory, and the fit with newly-acquired Larry Nance Jr. isn’t the cleanest.

The Spurs have a good amount of solid young players, but none with the blue-chip luster that the Sixers would likely be seeking in a deal. Additionally, outside of Dejounte Murray, another poor-shooting defensive guard, and Derrick White, none of them are ready to be key members of a championship run.

Lastly, the Wizards have an interesting collection of talent, but the Sixers are unlikely to get Bradley Beal in a trade, and almost all of Washington’s other appealing players are young big men, with the exception of this year’s 15th pick, Corey Kispert. Any trade of Simmons would mean the team’s top two players are a center and a power forward, meaning it’s unlikely they would be interested in any of the Wizards’ combo forwards.

There are undoubtedly going to be more teams that enter into the discussion as the bidding war heats up, but we want to know what you think. What team is going to end up with Ben Simmons? What will they give up for him? And most importantly — will Simmons give his new team the bump they need to get where they’re going?

Basketball Reference (Player Info) https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/m/maxeyty01.html


HoopsRumors https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2021/08/tyrese-maxey-likely-to-be-included-in-any-simmons-trade.html

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Tyrese Maxey Likely To Be Included In Any Simmons Trade?

With the odds of a Ben Simmons trade seemingly increasing, Jason Dumas of Bleacher Report hears from a source that there’s a “high chance” fellow Sixers guard Tyrese Maxey will be included in any deal involving Simmons.

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As Dumas explains, both Simmons and Maxey are represented by Rich Paul of Klutch Sports Group. Dumas suggests that Paul would prefer to have both of his clients out of Philadelphia.

In a separate tweet, Dumas says that some Philadelphia-based organizations were interested in partnering with Maxey on community events, but were told to cancel those plans, since Paul doesn’t want the 2020 first-round pick to establish substantial roots in a city he may soon leave.

The 21st overall pick in the 2020 draft, Maxey showed promise in his rookie year, averaging 8.0 PPG and 2.0 APG on 46.2% shooting in 61 games (15.3 MPG) for the 76ers. He’s on an affordable rookie contract for three more years and Philadelphia was reportedly reluctant to include him in packages for James Harden in January and Kyle Lowry in March, so he certainly wouldn’t be treated as a throw-in in any Simmons trade.

While Simmons appears likely to be moved at some point in the coming days, weeks, or months, I’m not quite as convinced that Maxey will join him. Philadelphia’s point guard depth already figures to take a hit if Simmons is dealt, so the team won’t give away another of its top options at the position just to appease Paul. The 76ers may consider trading Maxey, but the decision will ultimately come down to the quality of the return and the club’s ability to avoid creating a hole on its depth chart.

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HoopsRumors https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2021/09/latest-on-ben-simmons-3.html

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The Warriors have been mentioned as a possible destination for the Sixers to send Ben Simmons, but the teams haven’t engaged in serious trade talks, according to Anthony Slater of The Athletic.

Sources tell Slater that their discussions on Simmons have been limited to a single phone call before the draft in which Philadelphia president of basketball operations Daryl Morey asked for Andrew Wiggins, James Wiseman, Golden State’s two picks in this year’s lottery and a pair of future first-rounders. The Warriors’ front office declined the offer and no further negotiations took place.

Golden State could still get involved if Morey lowers his asking price, but Slater doesn’t expect Simmons to wind up in San Francisco. He points out concerns about how effective a lineup with Simmons and Draymond Green would be when neither is an effective shooter and notes that the Warriors aren’t desperate to make a move. They have 14 players under contract, and it’s assumed throughout the organization that they will make up the opening-night roster. The team isn’t making any trade calls and doesn’t plan to seek any deals before the season begins, sources tell Slater.

In addition, owner Joe Lacob is a strong supporter of both Wiseman and Jonathan Kuminga and would be reluctant to part with either player, Slater adds. Morey would likely ask for one of them in return for Simmons, which would be a tough sell for Lacob. Slater sees the Warriors’ best offer as Wiggins and future picks, and he believes the Sixers will have better options.


There’s more news related to Simmons:


The Timberwolves and Raptors have been linked to Simmons most frequently over the summer, Derek Bodner states in an Athletic roundtable on a potential deal. He believes the Cavaliers could be a “wild card” as well and notes that the Sixers’ options improve if a multi-team deal can be worked out. Sam Amick points out that the Wolves, with president of basketball operations Gersson Rosas, and the Kings with general manager Monte McNair, both have executives who worked closely with Morey during his time in Houston.
Confirming a Wednesday night report from Amick, Jason Jones of The Athletic writes in a mailbag column that the Kings aren’t willing to part with De’Aaron Fox or Tyrese Haliburton to acquire Simmons. He’s skeptical that the Sixers would be interested in an offer of Buddy Hield and Marvin Bagley, who are both below-average defensive players.
John Gonzalez of The Ringer https://www.theringer.com/nba/2021/9/2/22653353/ben-simmons-sixers-carson-wentz-eagles-philly-fans looks at the role that Simmons’ uneasy
relationship with Philadelphia fans has played in his desire to leave the team.

Clutch Points https://clutchpoints.com/warriors-news-the-ben-simmons-trade-offer-that-forced-golden-state-to-hang-up-on-daryl-morey/

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The Ben Simmons trade offer that forced Warriors brass to ‘hang up’ on Daryl Morey

The Golden State Warriors were one of the teams most heavily linked to Ben Simmons this offseason. However, the latest reports indicate that talks with the Philadelphia 76ers never truly took shape like the rumors would have you believe.

The latest piece from The Athletic’s Anthony Slater indicates Sixers GM Daryl Morey came to the Warriors with an offer in mind. But the report states that there wasn’t anything else beyond that.

The Golden State Warriors were one of the teams most heavily linked to Ben Simmons this offseason. However, the latest reports indicate that talks with the Philadelphia 76ers never truly took shape like the rumors would have you believe

The latest piece from The Athletic’s Anthony Slater indicates Sixers GM Daryl Morey came to the Warriors with an offer in mind. But the report states that there wasn’t anything else beyond that.

Via The Athletic:

The Warriors were among the teams Daryl Morey called during his initial round of over-the-top inquiries. That came before the draft. As has been reported, he asked for a package of Andrew Wiggins, James Wiseman, the seventh and 14th picks and two future first-rounders. There was never bargaining. There was only a decline and a hang up.

To say that the Sixers’ requested package is pretty steep would be a massive understatement. They might as well ask the Warriors for Stephen Curry while they’re at it. The package they requested had been rumored in the past, but the absence of further negotiations is interesting considering how much Simmons-to-Golden State speculation there has been throughout the offseason.

Beyond the actual trade discussions, Golden State has reportedly been “divided” on how Ben Simmons on their roster. Having two non-shooters in him and Draymond Green, who arguably fulfills the exact same role, makes it a tougher sell to use assets for.

Via NBC Sports Bay Area:

The Warriors, according to sources, are divided on the subject. Some see great potential in having two skilled players thriving in the ball-movement principles, especially in transition. Simmons also happens to be six years younger than Green.

Others, however, believe having two non-shooters on the court is too crippling for an offense, even with Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, to overcome, particularly in the postseason.

But regardless of fit, with no further negotiations beyond the Warriors’ first call with Daryl Morey, the discussions on how Ben Simmons works with Stephen Curry and the rest is entirely moot.

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The Sixer Sense https://thesixersense.com/2021/09/03/sixers-5-most-likely-ben-simmons-trade-destinations/

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This article will focus on the most likely destinations for Simmons. Not the best team fits, not which trade partner would most benefit the Sixers — a straight up appraisal of which teams have the highest probability of landing the beleaguered All-Star.

We will focus, naturally, on the teams that have been commonly reported in the Simmons sweepstakes. Apologies to Charlotte — if only!

The Sixers are going to trade Ben Simmons. Which team is most likely to land him?
Last season, Simmons averaged 14.3 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 6.9 assists, taking a notable step back in efficiency and raising questions about his stunted development as a scorer. To make matters worse, the 6-foot-10 wunderkind looked totally unmoored in the playoffs. In the Sixers’ second round loss to Atlanta, his scoring average sunk to 9.9 points per game.

While it’s clear opposing front offices are hesitant to unload the clip in a Simmons trade, we are reaching an inflection point. With training camp commencing in under a month, Philadelphia would no doubt like to move forward with a clean slate to start the season. On the other hand, the team getting Simmons would probably want him in the building as soon as possible.

Simmons is one of the best defenders in the NBA, and a perennial Eastern Conference All-Star at 25 years old. He is under contract for four more years, all guaranteed, and creates more 3-pointers for teammates than just about anyone not named Luka Doncic. That kind of player generally demands a high price tag. The Sixers are likely to get screwed in one way or another, but teams have interest in Simmons. This won’t drag out forever. There’s too much demand for a supply of one.

With that in mind… here are some honorable mentions — Portland Trail Blazers, Cleveland Cavaliers, LA Clippers, Indiana Pacers.


5. Toronto Raptors

The Raptors keep popping up in Simmons rumors, even more than teams ranked ahead of them on this list… and yet, it doesn’t make a ton of sense. On paper, Simmons is a questionable fit with Toronto’s best player (Pascal Siakam), and the Raptors have no shortage of big wings/forwards in the running for playing time (OG Anunoby, Scottie Barnes).

Depending on your perspective, you could argue Simmons is better than all those players, and Toronto could include one or two in a Simmons trade. Let’s say, for example, Toronto sends Anunoby and Barnes to Philly to pair Simmons with Siakam and Fred VanVleet. In the end, sure, that’s a good team. A playoff team in the East.

With Kyle Lowry no longer in the picture, however, a rebuild feels semi-inevitable for Toronto. Siakam has been involved in his own flurry of trade rumors this summer, and I’m skeptical of Philly swapping Simmons for a power forward (even if Siakam is a “better fit,” which is debatable).

Masai Ujiri is a notoriously aggressive GM who is unafraid of taking on discontent All-Stars (see: Kawhi Leonard). The Raptors could make Simmons work if they’re big enough fans of his talent. That said, the Barnes pick always felt like a declaration of different intentions. As soon as his name was called at No. 4, instead of the favored Jalen Suggs, a Simmons trade simply didn’t feel quite as right.

As a point of theory/principle, every trade rumor probably involves posturing. Reports of “oh, Toronto won’t give up this borderline starter, or this bench player” typically don’t hold up. The same can be said for the reports of Daryl Morey’s outlandish asking price. The teams start at two extremes, and when negotiations kick up, compromise comes about naturally. Do not conflate posturing with an unbreakable vow.


4. Sacramento Kings

The Kings are reportedly unwilling to part with De’Aaron Fox or Tyrese Haliburton in a Simmons trade. Again — we’re back to posturing! I buy the Fox thing, but if the Kings really want Simmons (and that’s a big, important if), there’s no reason Haliburton can’t make it into negotiations at some point. He’s a tremendous young player, but he’s nowhere close to Simmons at this point.

Sacramento makes a lot of sense on paper. Even if the fit is imperfect, the Kings need to take the next step. Fox has been failed by some combination of poor roster construction and a subpar coach his entire career. Sacramento isn’t signing any All-Stars in free agency, and the Kings are quite bad enough to draft players of Simmons’ caliber.

For Sacramento to have an elite defender and secondary facilitator with three consecutive All-Star appearances not only on the roster, but locked up for the next half-decade, would mark significant progress for the organization. As someone who considers Haliburton a real gem, he probably shouldn’t be what keeps them from acquiring Simmons.

The price point for the Sixers’ All-Star is hard to figure out. The Kings only rank this low on the list because of the Haliburton report. If he’s genuinely off the table, then the Kings don’t really have much else. Buddy Hield is drastically overrated by the Sixers fanbase, while Davion Mitchell isn’t a proven enough asset to function as the centerpiece of a Simmons trade.

It feels appropriately Kings-y for Sacramento to blow an opportunity of this magnitude. The Kings should be all over Simmons. You pair Fox with Simmons, and worry about making the other pieces work later. That said, with talks reportedly fizzing out, skepticism about the Kings’ chances is warranted.


3. San Antonio Spurs

The Spurs have been an ongoing dark horse in the Simmons race. Gregg Popovich has raved about Simmons in the past, and everyone knows he would prefer to compete in the twilight years of his legendary career. The Spurs also have a legendary shooting coach, with more than enough roster flexibility to finesse a Simmons package.

In fact, very few teams make more sense on paper than San Antonio. Dejounte Murray, Keldon Johnson, and Derrick White are all suitable centerpieces, while the Spurs’ collection of young talent — Devin Vassell, Joshua Primo, Lonnie Walker, Tre Jones — is bound to include a player or two who piques Morey’s interest. San Antonio even has a couple strong salary-matching vets in Thaddeus Young and Doug McDermott.

If San Antonio wants to field a contender, then Simmons is the clearest path to the play-in tournament or beyond. He’s a suitable replacement to DeMar DeRozan, who functioned as the Spurs’ spacing-challenged primary facilitator for long stretches last season. He also reinforces a solid San Antonio defense.

There is just so much going for San Antonio that the lack of consistent reporting doesn’t really matter. We have enough nuggets and hints to connect the Spurs to Simmons, and what better starting point for a trade package than one of San Antonio’s elite defensive guards and a smattering of long-term assets?


2. Minnesota Timberwolves

I’m not sure any team wants to trade for Ben Simmons more than Minnesota. The reporting from the Wolves’ corner of the internet almost makes them sound desperate. With a strong young core already put together, the Wolves are itching to take the next step. Defense has been a problem for Minnesota, and there aren’t many better solutions than Ben Simmons.

That said, the Wolves do lack a clear-cut route to acquiring Simmons. It will either require Anthony Edwards (not happening), a boatload of draft picks, or a three-team trade. I can’t imagine Daryl Morey getting out of bed in the morning to watch D’Angelo Russell, so it will take creativity and ambition from the Wolves’ front office.

Morey does have a prior connection to Gersson Rosas, the Wolves’ GM, and Minnesota can make a trade work with enough willpower. Three-team trades are rare and complex, but they do happen. The Wolves aren’t totally devoid of good mid-tier players, either. Malik Beasley, Patrick Beverley, Josh Okogie, and Jaden McDaniels should all make Philly’s ears perk up — to varying degrees, of course.

At the end of the day, this will turn into a bidding war. Teams have been hesitant to meet Morey’s high asking price thus far, but if the Wolves’ desire for Simmons truly outstrips other teams around the league, then they could step up to the plate and deliver a package Philadelphia can’t refuse. Throw in enough draft picks, along with Beasley and McDaniels, and the Wolves have themselves a deal.


1. Golden State Warriors

The Warriors are reportedly reluctant to pair Ben Simmons with Draymond Green, and thus are considered unlikely to acquire the 25-year-old. Yeah, okay. The Warriors can feign disinterest all they want, but when it times come to pull the trigger, few teams have a greater reason to want Simmons than Golden State.

Stephen Curry is 33 years old. He is one of the greatest offensive players of all time, and it is Golden State’s duty to put forth the most competitive roster possible. The fit is funky and off-beat, but Simmons getting to work with Curry and Klay Thompson is not hard to imagine. He and Green are two all-universe defenders who complement each other perfectly on that side of the ball, and the Warriors have played non-shooters on the floor with Draymond in the past — often to great effect.

The Warriors’ title odds go up drastically by swapping Andrew Wiggins and young pieces for Simmons. It may harm your long-term outlook, depending on your opinion of Jonathan Kuminga and James Wiseman, but who cares. The Warriors go at Steph goes, and he’s ready to win a championship this season. As a third or fourth offensive option focused on defense and connecting dots as a passer, Simmons should thrive.

Golden State has enough bullets in the chamber for one star acquisition. Pascal Siakam is a name that has been thrown around, and frankly, I’d probably take Siakam over Simmons in their situation. That said, if the Raptors cling tight to Siakam, the next man up in Simmons. He’s a top-35 NBA player, a perennial All-Star, and gives Golden State the second and third-place finishers in last season’s Defensive Player of the Year voting.

It is this writer’s opinion that Golden State should do everything short of abject lunacy to acquire Simmons. I’m not 100 percent sure I trust Bob Myers and the Warriors’ front office to make that particular commitment, but the Warriors have made big swings in the past. This is no different, really.

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ESPN: The PTI crew react to the Golden State Warriors being hesitant to make a deal for Ben Simmons due to their concern of whether Draymond Green and Simmons can co-exist.


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ESPN: Richard Jefferson, Cassidy Hubbarth and Ramona Shelburne discuss Ben Simmons' current status with the Philadelphia 76ers and how long could Simmons really sit out.


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CBS Sports https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/ben-simmons-trade-rumors-why-76ers-might-be-smart-to-start-considering-prospect-centric-packages/

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Ben Simmons trade rumors: Why 76ers might be smart to start considering prospect-centric packages

The Philadelphia 76ers and Ben Simmons are almost certainly not long for each other. After trade speculation turned into Simmons threatening not to report for training camp, the only questions are where and when Simmons will be traded, and what the Sixers will get in return.

Sixers czar Daryl Morey started off asking for the moon. Nobody bit. He was hoping Damian Lillard or Bradley Beal would become available, but that hasn't happened yet. It might not happen at all. Even if it does, are those teams going to be looking to start a rebuild with a guy like Simmons, or might they want to go the increasingly popular route of young prospects and picks?

If it's the latter, Philadelphia doesn't have a package to offer. But it might if it moves Simmons now, then uses the return for a second move down the road. The Sixers are in win-now mode and would thus prefer a return package centered on a player, or players, that can enhance their championship prospects beyond what they would be by just keeping Simmons, who is still under contract for the next four seasons. But there's no saying they have to get that player right away.

If it takes until the trade deadline, so be it. Even if it takes until next summer, Joel Embiid is 27 years old and signed through 2026. There's still time for Philly to put its ultimate championship product on the floor. Yes, the title window appears open. And you don't know when it's going to close. Embiid, even as he's enjoyed relative health, is always going to feel like an injury risk. But patience is starting to feel like the right play.

The Sixers could push for a deal right now that would, in my opinion, make them a better team. CJ McCollum should be available for a player like Simmons. If he's not, Blazers GM Neil Olshey isn't trying very hard to put a true contender around Lillard. If the Blazers were to throw in, say, Robert Covington to replace some of Simmons' defense, Philly would have the half-court creator it needs to properly support Embiid.

If you don't think McCollum paired with Embiid is enough, then you likely don't think Collin Sexton is, either. But what if the Sixers got Sexton, Isaac Okoro and a bunch of future first-round picks, then went out and shopped Okoro and the picks for more firepower? It's a two-phase plan. Getting rid of the distraction that Simmons is about to become once training camp starts, without compromising too much in the name of urgency, might merely be phase one.

The Golden State Warriors obviously come to mind as a team rich in young prospects. I know we've heard the Warriors are skeptical to put Simmons and Draymond Green together, but that could change. That's a team with even more urgency than the Sixers, as its superstar is six years older than Embiid, and if the Klay Thompson return doesn't go according to the best-case scenario, if he's, say, particularly diminished as a defender, Simmons might start to look pretty attractive.

The Warriors don't have a player to offer that is better than Simmons or even the type of lead playmaker the Sixers need. If Andrew Wiggins went back as the best current player and the money to make the deal work, the reward for Philly would, or could, be some combination of 2020 No. 2 overall pick James Wiseman, and 2021 lottery picks Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody.

That is a package a lot of teams would be interested if Philly wants to start flipping houses. If Lillard, for instance, were to become available, the Blazers would likely be more interested in a fresh start -- with multiple high-end prospects they have no other means for obtaining -- than they would in a guy like Simmons. If Philly suddenly had Golden State's package, it might become Lillard's next team.

Planning for an unknown like Lillard becoming available, and then the Blazers wanting whatever package the Sixers finagled out of the Simmons trade, is tricky. This whole situation is tricky. Morey is trying to squeeze big value out of a depreciating asset, and the reminder here is that he has more than one way of going about it.