Ben Simmons is still a Sixer despite not having appeared for the franchise on the court this season. The former All-Star had a falling out with the organization following last season’s playoffs and was expected to be traded this season. However, the Sixers are holding out to get a superstar in return and that’s likely the reason they haven’t accepted any of the rumored trades from other teams.
And Shams Charania has now provided the latest update on the situation, claiming that the Sixers would be willing to hold out till the offseason to trade Simmons. This is reportedly in service of working out a deal for James Harden, whose contract with the Brooklyn Nets ends after this season. Harden has hinted that he will extend with the Nets but has already rejected an extension offer from the franchise.
76ers prefer to wait to pursue James Harden or another superstar in offseason and want to save Ben Simmons for that potential deal over current market, per sources with knowledge and rival teams.
Details and Simmons latest with @sam_amick at @TheAthletic: https://t.co/kQl6DBhUZf
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 24, 2022
The report says they could also go for another superstar in the offseason with names like Damian Lillard and Bradley Beal already linked with Philadelphia in the past. The Portland Trail Blazers have been quite disappointing this season too, which could see them potentially blow up their current team and trade Lillard.
Ben Simmons is contracted till the 2024-25 season and will make more than $35 million on every remaining year of his deal. Moving his salary along with Tobias Harris would free up a lot of cap space that Daryl Morey will be able to work with, but finding potential trades so far has proven to be quite a difficult proposition.
James Harden’s move to the Brooklyn Nets that saw them create the Big 3 was considered to be the start of a few championship runs for the franchise. However, injuries and off-field controversies have stopped the Nets from playing to the best of their abilities. If they can win the championship this season, they will surely boost their chances of keeping Harden, although a failure to do so could lead to the Beard potentially considering his options.
