Ben Simmons is yet to play a single game this season but teams are flocking to add the Philadelphia 76ers star to their roster. Over the past week, there have been several rumors surrounding the All-Star guard, but nothing concrete has developed.
It was reported that several teams, including the Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks, are interested in Ben Simmons, making a multi-team trade more likely. The Sixers have held back on letting Simmons go because the price was not right. But with a multi-team trade, there is a high chance the Sixers will get good value for Simmons.
Amidst all the rumors, it seems more parties are indicating interest in Simmons. The resurging Houston Rockets have joined the list of teams that could be involved in the multi-team trade.
Of course, not everyone can have Simmons, which will be the case for the Rockets. They are not interested in having him suit up for them, according to Brian Windhorst on the Brian Windhorst & The Hoop Collective podcast.
“There’s been a number of rumors that have gone around the league in the last few weeks about Ben Simmons’ trade involving the Morey quadrangular. That would be Philadelphia, Minnesota, the Kings, and the Rockets. … Let’s just say there has been a lot of discussions.
“I’ve had executives tell me that when Ben Simmons gets traded, it will include one or more of the quadrangular. Not that that’s where Ben Simmons would go, but they would probably be involved, because a Ben Simmons trade likely ends up being a multi-team deal.”
Simmons brings an edge defensively but has not been aggressive offensively. His showing in the playoffs turned the fans against him, as he passed up an open layup for fear of being fouled and sent to the line.
For a team like the Lakers and Knicks, who have a lot in their offensive arsenal but are struggling defensively, he would be a boost. We will keep an eye out as things develop, but a trade will undoubtedly send Simmons out of the franchise soon and put an end to the standoff between both parties, which has cost Simmons over $7 million in fines so far.
