Philadelphia 76ers star Ben Simmons has still not played a game for the franchise this season. There is no doubt that he is likely awaiting a trade from the franchise, and it seems as though the 76ers themselves are figuring out what package is best in return for the star.
Matt Moore of Action Network has recently revealed that the Philadelphia 76ers offered the Atlanta Hawks the opportunity to acquire Ben Simmons. The Hawks would have to take on Tobias Harris’ contract in the proposed transaction, which is viewed as a negative. The Hawks would also have to send out John Collins, Bogdan Bogdanovic, and three first-round picks. However, Moore added that the Hawks “were not interested in such a framework” to acquire Ben Simmons, but added that “their interest in Simmons is very real”.
Two sources familiar with talks said at least one offer from the Sixers was Simmons and Harris for John Collins, Bogdan Bogdanovic, and three first-round picks. It will not surprise you to learn the Hawks were not interested in such a framework, though their interest in Simmons is very real.
It is easy to see why the Atlanta Hawks would want Ben Simmons on the roster. Trae Young is one of the best point guards in the league, but he doesn’t have a co-star who can help him make a deep playoff run. Ben Simmons could potentially be that co-star. Simmons would be the secondary ball-handler behind Young and would help the team’s defense. Simmons would also have spacing from shooters like Kevin Huerter on the Hawks, which means that his offensive game would thrive.
It remains unclear if the Atlanta Hawks will in fact acquire Ben Simmons. They’re definitely looking to add a star to the roster, and the Hawks were also linked with Detroit Pistons forward Jerami Grant. Hopefully, we see the team get another star to help Trae Young at the deadline, and allow the Hawks to make a push for the play-in tournament.
