The Ben Simmons saga remains one of the most entertaining storylines of the 2021 NBA offseason. The Philadelphia 76ers point guard is trying everything to force his way out of the team. He won’t attend training camp, regardless of all the financial consequences of that decision.
After the player announced his decision not to be part of the team’s training camp, plenty of fans and analysts started wondering what’s next for him. In the past, Simmons was linked with the Minnesota Timberwolves; the Houston Rockets also sounded interested in the Australian star, but there’s a team that can get a lot of benefits if they make a move for Ben, too.
The Golden State Warriors are ready to start a new season where they’ll try to get revenge after missing the last two playoffs. The Dubs can be a very appealing destination for Simmons. However, they have a player with similar characteristics in Draymond Green.
Still, ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith believes that the Aussie should go to the Warriors, especially knowing what the Warriors might need to unlock negotiations with the Sixers.
"I'd like to see [Ben Simmons] in Golden State or Portland. … If you could get Wiggins and a couple first-round picks for Ben Simmons you do it. If you're Portland and you needed to give up CJ McCollum plus another player or so to get Ben Simmons, you do it."
—@stephenasmith pic.twitter.com/lttAxRB5Zg
— First Take (@FirstTake) September 21, 2021
“Me personally, I’d like to see him in Golden State or Portland,” Smith said Tuesday on ESPN’s First Take. “I think the Sixers should move him to Golden State. Even though Golden State doesn’t want him and Draymond Green together, if you can get [Andrew] Wiggins and a couple of first-round picks for Ben Simmons, you do it.
“If you’re Portland and you needed to give up CJ McCollum plus another player or so to get Ben Simmons, you do it.”
This move would be interesting for the Warriors. Still, the fact that Draymond is already on the team makes everything harder. Ben would make more sense playing alongside Damian Lillard if it is the Portland Trail Blazers.
Training camp is around the corner and the Sixers must think of something to fix this situation. The relationship with Simmons is unsalvageable and the player has no interest in playing another game with the organization.
They have options to deal the Australian, but Daryl Morey doesn’t love the offers they’ve received so far.
