It feels like Ben Simmons will be making his way back onto the court, but not as a member of the Philadelphia 76ers.
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, there is reportedly significant interest in a potential trade for Ben Simmons, with the Philadelphia 76ers “ramping up their efforts” to complete a deal.
Per Shams Charania of The Athletic, as many as seven teams are now interested in Simmons. Those teams are: The Knicks, Lakers, Timberwolves, Trail Blazers, Kings, Pacers, and Cavs.
Simmons has not yet played for Philadelphia this season, as he stated he was not mentally ready to join the team. The 25-year-old is still in the prime of his career and could seriously help a contending team make it over the top.
The three-time All-Star who has been named first-team All-Defense in each of the past two years has averaged 15.9 points, 8.1 rebounds and 7.7 assists per game over his career.
The Knicks (12-15), Trail Blazers (11-16) and Kings (11-16) are all fighting for playoff spots with defenses that rank in the bottom of the league. The Lakers are not living up to offseason expectations and could use a player like Simmons. However, his lack of outside shooting would hurt spacing on the floor as teams will not respect him outside 10-15 feet. He has taken just five career made three-pointers in four NBA seasons.
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Philadelphia will still have a high asking price, reportedly seeking an “All-Star-caliber player and/or multiple first-round draft pick,” per Charania.
The 76ers have targeted Damian Lillard, but the Trail Blazers have already stated he is off limits.
It’s not a matetr of if, but when Simmons gets traded.
