While the Ben Simmons saga continues in Philadelphia, the rest of the league tries to find out what will happen with the 76ers and their disgruntled star. Simmons is yet to play a single game for the team this season, citing mental health issues as the reason he’s unable to play.
Meanwhile, teams express their interest in the Australian playmaker. The Boston Celtics were linked with a move to the point guard, but Brad Stevens shut down those rumors very quickly. Now, another struggling Eastern Conference squad could be making a move for the 25-year-old.
Last week, an Atlanta Hawks beat writer dropped the idea of the team trading for Simmons to pair him with Trae Young. Simmons’ defensive mind and playmaking ability could help the Hawks, and it seems like they could entertain this option. According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, Simmons could land in Atlanta if the team decides to move from John Collins and Cam Reddish.
The Hawks are an emerging potential landing spot for Simmons, whose Defensive Player of the Year-caliber play would surely elevate one of the league’s bottom five defenses. In scanning the Hawks’ roster, it’s obvious John Collins — who signed a five-year, $125 million deal in restricted free agency last offseason — and Cam Reddish are among the players who could acquiesce a package for Simmons. It’s unclear whether the Hawks are ready to put such a proposal on the table after making a run to the Eastern Conference finals a season ago.
Knowing the type of return Daryl Morey wants to get for Ben Simmons, it’s unclear if the Sixers will take this deal. Collins is a solid big man who has improved his level every season, but his tenure at State Farm Arena has been full of ups and downs. Perhaps a change of air is what he needs to keep improving his level.
Pairing Collins with Joel Embiid would be interesting, but it remains to be seen if that’s enough to convince the Sixers’ front office. Reddish is an interesting player that could add depth to Philly. Time will tell how this situation unfolds, but this could be an appealing option for Philadelphia.
