Everybody’s talking about Ben Simmons right now.
The former first-overall pick has reached out to the Philadelphia 76ers to let them know that he doesn’t intend to play for the team anymore:
“In a looming standoff that could have lasting implications for the NBA, Philadelphia 76ers All-Star forward Ben Simmons will not report for the opening of training camp next week and intends to never play another game for the franchise, sources told ESPN,” reported Adrian Wojnarowski.
Coach Doc Rivers recently said that he and the team will try to change Simmons’ mind, stating that they want him back and that they can still make amends:
“We hear it all, but we’re not going to give up on that…I just love how [Ben Simmons] plays. I love a lot of the things that he does for the team…but we have to go through all this to get him back,” Rivers said.
However, analysts believe that’s just a desperate attempt to drive his trade value up again, but to no avail.
So, with all teams linked to a potential move for Simmons, analyst Tony Kornheiser explained why the Washington Wizards should go ahead and give up Bradley Beal for him:
“I’m gonna tell you why the Washington Wizards should give up Bradley Beal for Ben Simmons,” Kornheiser said. “Because with Bradley Beal and John Wall they didn’t win anything. And with Bradley Beal and Russell Westbrook, they didn’t win anything. And with Bradley Beal alone they’re not gonna win anything. This guy Ben Simmons is a much better defender than Bradley Beal, he’s a much better rebounder, he’s a much better passer, he can get people more integrated on the team, and they would be happy. This is a trade that benefits both teams because Bradley Beal would go to the Sixers and they can win the title. He’s what they need. And Ben Simmons is what 10 guys and rotation players need here. And if he’s a better player with a change of scenery, he’ll close out the gate.”
That’s not as crazy as it sounds. The Sixers need a guy like Beal and the Wizards need a younger star for their rebuilding project.
Then again, given how low Simmons’ trade value is right now, it seems unlikely that the Wizards are willing to part ways with their franchise player.
