The Ben Simmons saga is far from over at this point. Since the past NBA playoff, the Australian player has made headlines after his shooting struggles hurt his team’s chances of defeating the Atlanta Hawks in the second round.
He’s been linked with a move away from Philly in recent weeks, while several players like Damian Lillard or Kyle Lowry could land in the City of Brotherly Love this summer. Simmons won’t miss suitors this offseason, but the Sixers know very well what they want in exchange for the All-Star point guard.
According to Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report, executives around the league are convinced the Sixers will deal Simmons before training camp starts.
And league executives contacted by B/R continue to mention the possibility of the Sixers holding onto Simmons, should a desirable offer still fail to arise during the draft, in the hopes of Damian Lillard ultimately seeking to leave Portland. Talks between the Raptors and Sixers are considered to be the most advanced of any early conversations Philadelphia has had for the 25-year-old All-Star.
And to clarify: Sixers brass have indeed maintained contact with Simmons and his representatives, most notably meeting in Chicago during the combine, but not too dissimilar to offseasons past, Philadelphia has thus far been unable to collaborate with its Defensive Player of the Year candidate on a summer player development plan, sources said. The overwhelming expectation around the NBA remains that Philadelphia will trade Simmons before the start of training camp.
The Sixers have been linked with Dame Lillard, De’Aaron Fox, Kyle Lowry, and more players. They have plenty of options this offseason. Simmons will have a big market if he becomes available, but time will tell what path the organization takes.
