Ben Simmons and his agent – Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul – are “in step” with the Sixers‘ efforts to trade the 25-year-old to a new team, reports ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski (via Twitter).
Sources tell Wojnarowski that the 76ers continue to canvass the NBA exploring potential trades involving Simmons and have established a “steep” asking price. While a draft-night trade is a possibility, the discussions may continue into the summer, according to Wojnarowski.
It remains unclear which teams will emerge as the most serious suitors for Simmons. A report earlier today indicated that the Heat, Wizards, and Raptors are possibilities. However, a subsequent report threw cold water on the Miami scenario, and Washington is likely only a realistic landing spot if Bradley Beal is going to Philadelphia — so far, there’s no indication Beal wants out of D.C.
Toronto’s interest in Simmons has been reported by multiple outlets, though it’s unclear if there’s a realistic match between the two division rivals.
Matt Moore of ActionNetwork.com reported earlier this week that the Sixers proposed a framework that included Kyle Lowry (via sign-and-trade), Fred VanVleet, OG Anunoby, and the fourth overall pick, which Toronto obviously rejected. If that report is accurate and Philadelphia’s asking price remains anywhere near that high, it’s probably safe to assume the Raptors will look elsewhere for roster upgrades.
Meanwhile, as Jeff Garcia of News 4 San Antonio relays, Kevin O’Connor said on The Ringer’s The Mismatch podcast that the Sixers are rumored to have asked the Spurs for four first-round picks, three pick swaps, and a young player in exchange for Simmons.
O’Connor added that he doesn’t expect Simmons to be moved unless Sixers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey drastically lowers his asking price or a player like Beal or Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard becomes available and Philadelphia uses Simmons as the centerpiece of an offer.
Those (alleged) proposed deals are …. pure lunacy?
Morey may be outsmarting himself with the Simmons imbroglio. He could have (probably) had Harden if he just threw in Thybulle and/or Maxey.
Now he’s asking for basically the same return if not more for Simmons after an all-time breakdown in the playoffs. Bottom line is Simmons’ isn’t getting younger. And if he comes back next year and starts shooting 30% from the line again (a la Nick Anderson 20 yrs ago), then it could get very ugly.
Yeah well all I know is Marky got with Sharon and Sharon got Cherise. And she was sharing Sharon’s outlook on the topic of disease.
They were all in love with dying they were drinking from a fountain, that is pouring like an avalanche coming down the mountain
The asks for Simmons are so funny man, want this player we can’t win with? We will take every asset your franchise has and we want every asset you ever acquire for history, fair? Morey is TRIPPIN dude
lol
Morey is obviously shooting high because than you’ll get more when you lower your price. You start low and negotiate you miss out on adding more assets. It’s pretty clear negotiating tactic.
Or he just comes across looking like a clown and other organizations stop taking him seriously.
Warriors have hung up the phone
Simmons market is limited
Heat?
This, no one wants to do with a loon
Morey is the classic idiot who believes he’s the smartest guy in the room. On second thought, he has to contend with Doc as the greatest fool in the room. Good luck Philly.
Good negotiating tactic. Pretend to be insane then wait for the other party to return and ask if you’re feeling better. Then suggest even crazier deals and see if they are desperate enough to reject all your subsequent follow up calls or do they remain interested. Pure genius.
That decision last year by Morey may go down as his worst mistake ever as a GM. If he never wins a championship that will haunt him for the rest of his life.
I like Morey and Embiid a lot but just not sure what they’re gonna be able to get for Simmons that really makes sense for their roster. Maybe DLo and Beasley/Rubio?
I tend to agree and bring it up intermittently here. Other people aren’t convinced Fertitta was going to allow Harden to go to Philly.
Maybe they’re right.
But man …. it sure seemed like it was possible. And if Morey balked at teaming up Harden and Embiid long-term over throwing in Tyrese Maxey ….
I literally laughed out loud when I saw that Toronto package and then the Spurs one may have topped it.
You guys are talking put your ass. Im an agent in a different industry. You ask for the moon and negotiate down to something still palatable. You can always negotiate down. Time is on his side. The market will become more clear after the draft, after the RFA signings and certainly once Lillard and Beal make it clear where they want to be next season.
Ok fair that you have experience, but while I’m sure some of us are 12 years old (Sillivan), I’d speculate a fair amount of us are probably adults, also with experience negotiating prices – whether it be houses, cars, bonds, bazaars.
I went with my girlfriend two Saturdays ago to buy a new car. If I said to the sales guy, “I’ll give you $5 for the 2022 Accord”, would I have Jedi Mind Tricked him into giving me a lower price?
Also, Morey has been shopping Simmons more or less since his flight landed in Philly, so this isn’t exactly value exploration at this point.
He wasn’t getting superstar level return for BS 6 months ago when he insisted on Simmons for Harden straight up and got told no. He can say he has no issue bringing Simmons back, but does anyone still believe him?
Bahahahahaha
Remember
Rockets asking price for Oladipo
1 young good player and at least 2 Future Firsts from Knicks
Now it’s your turn, Raptors and Spurs
Considering what Oladipo is worth now (nothing), Houston got a pretty good return for him.
Spurs would like Simmons, but that offer is nuts. Best Spur offer is probably 12+Murray+Walker.
If someone wants to pay more than that, God Bless
“…the Sixers are rumored to have asked the Spurs for four first-round picks, three pick swaps, and a young player in exchange for Simmons.”
I wonder how many coughing fits the Spurs front office got from laughing at that??
About as much as the Raptors front office got with that proposal. Lowry, OG, FVV and #4…craziness
Seriously.
Lowry and #4 would probably be more than market price for Simmons. What are the other rumored offers out there? Brogdon and (maybe) Warren?
Here’s this 36 yr old who wants 90M over 3 years and an unproven rookie which may end up being a Center if all the guards go 1-3? Nah pass.
By all means, keep Ben Simmons then.
Brogdon and a 1st is already better than that.
Gladly
I want a poll up for which is worse. Think I’d go with the Toronto deal.
Yeah it’s probably pay back for the Lowry ask at the trade deadline. My offer would be Lowry, choice of Boucher or Flynn and a future first (not the #4).
Good to know they are “in step.” Are they line dancing or is it just a basic two-step? Perhaps they can really cut a rug and go full Riverdance…the NBA has a strong Irish following, right?
I love it
Morey knows if he asks for everyone he might get someone but if he asks for someone he may get nothing
Simmons is definitely being traded and hope to Tor .
Hows this for a trade
Lowry sign and trade to Philly with our 4th pick for Simmons, Thybulle and Philly 28 th pick
Nah, I still don’t do that as the Raptors. I’m all about Suggs or Mobley!
Nah, I still don’t do that as the 76ers.
This is such a bad offer. People are overrating the value of Lowry.
1. He’s 36 years old
2. He wants to be paid like 30 million a year
3. He’s a sign and trade option only and isn’t there no chance he goes back to Toronto? He holds very little value for Toronto because it’s up to Lowry where he is willing to go.
Man, what absurd trade proposals.
I wish all of us could be smokin whatever the philly front office is currently.
Everything I know about Philly I learned from watching “Always Sunny,” so I am going to guess crack with some glue and paint sniffing.
I’m going to put an H on this box so we all know it’s full of Hornets.
“Matt Moore of ActionNetwork.com reported earlier this week that the Sixers proposed a framework that included Kyle Lowry (via sign-and-trade), Fred VanVleet, OG Anunoby, and the fourth overall pick, which Toronto obviously rejected.”
Even for initial high asking prices, that’s just borderline insulting. If I were Masai, I’d want to say “Don’t call back until you have something even remotely appealing to offer. I won’t waste anymore time with this nonsense”.
Who would want to deal with Morey after that? I know GMs have to put all of that aside but jeez.
I don’t think that is enough from Toronto. I think they should include the CN tower, 75% ownership in the Argonauts, and they should change the Canadian dollar coin from the bird to Dr. J.
Add the Bluejays’ 2024 and 2026 first rounders (unprotected) and you have a deal.
Maybe throw in the gate revenues from the next few Bills games that get played in Toronto?
Ben Simmons “In Step” With Sixers’ Trade Efforts
Well this is very stylish of Ben
SMH
This Clown was never in love with Philly and the Fans were never in love with him
He was the media’s darling, not mine!!!
Double SMH
I don’t see anything outrageous. Since it’s almost certain that the Raps/Spurs initiated the discussions. I doubt Morey offered up a a team specific “framework” for a potential deal to a team that hadn’t asked for it.
On the Raps, forget #4. If Philly doesn’t get at least two of the three Rap players he mentioned (Annouby plus one of KL/FVV), plus a future 1st (light protection), Morey would be nuts to deal him.
On the Spurs, I would have no problem putting out the now “customary” 4 1st round picks/3 swaps as a framework. If the Sixers don’t get players (and they may not like the Spurs roster), then they need a bunch of unprotected picks and a TPE to go out and get the high end starter(s) they’re expecting for Simmons. 4 picks/3 swaps? Probably not, but at least 3 picks or hold, at least at this point.
How good is Ben Simmons right now – 5 years after he was drafted into the League? Is he a top 15? I’d say almost certainly not.
Top 25? Assuming his game does regress any further, and depending on how much you value perimeter defense, sure maybe that’s reasonable.
So, sure, the Spurs offer makes sense – in terms of Anthony Davis or James Harden, consensus top 8 players in the league. But no one thinks Simmons is a top 10 player in the league, and even the optimists about him will admit that he has a lot of work to do to get there.
And the Toronto offer – I mean, Lowry, a highly coveted veteran PG + FVV, a borderline All Star young-ish PG + OG, one of the better role players in the league AND a top 5 guaranteed pick? Not even Harden or Davis got that type of haul. Not even close.
It’s one thing to aim high, but the entire League is well aware that the situation in Philly is essentially untenable. Morey isn’t dealing from the same vantage point he was in January.
I agree it’s too much but I don’t think it’s crazy. I think Lowry, OG and 4 makes some sense. Giving up 4 hurts but think TOR would be formidable with Simmons, FVV, and Siakam as as their top 3.
Suggs for Philly also makes sense to keep as he may be the rookie most ready for a big time role on a playoff team. Overall gonna be fascinating to see what kind of return Simmons fetches
If Annouby is in a straight trade for Simmons, Philly needs to add a 1st round lottery pick.
Stick to golf
On second thought, Philly needs to add 2 first Rd picks as that contract is an albatross (did you get it!).
How good Simmons is as a player is almost beside the point. Player value and trade value are different, and it’s not Morey’s job to set Simmons’ trade value, but to put in place the process of discovering it, and, after that, deciding if it’s worth it to trade him at that price. It’s not aiming high or at all. It’s letting the market develop. If, next season arrives, Simmons is still on the Sixers, the situation actually becomes untenable (affecting team performance), and its likely that Morey’s asking price and/or negotiating positions (or any other channeling of his inner Ainge) were the problem, then he deserves criticism. I’ll be out in front of it.
BTW, Harden may be a top 8 player, but he’s not a top 8 asset. Holiday is neither (but he warranted a version of the draft pick popurie too – actually traded for 3 unprotected picks, and 2 swaps, wonder what the ask was). Is Simmons more valuable than Harden? Holiday? The right answer (for a GM) is not yes or no (that’s advocacy for fans and pundits). The right answer (for a GM) is let’s find out. I can say that Simmons is certainly a more unique asset than either Harden or Holiday. When is the last time a 25 year old perennial All Star, under contract for 4 years, with no legal or mental health issues, became truly available? Harden at the time of his trade was an older player (7 years older than Simmons), in poor condition, holding out and only willing to go to a few teams, and having only 1.5 years left on his deal. All of that affects his trade value, because the few teams he’d go to had to assume he’d either leave in a 1.5 years or they’d need to extend him for close to 280 mm for a 5 year period that would take him into his late 30’s.
Player vs asset value is relative to the team goals, IMO. Harden, I would argue is very much a top 8 asset to a team like Philadelphia, with immediate championship aspirations. To a team like, say, OKC, I would agree with you he’s inconsequential despite his talents.
I agree that Simmons is certainly unique, in almost every way. But his individuality cuts both ways, which is why I doubt Morey gets his price.
Teams that have nothing to lose will be willing to take the gamble, but they can’t match the price. Teams with the assets can match the price but will balk at the risk Simmons’ refuses to shoot outside the paint in perpetuity.
Gosh, I wish Philly would hire some of the folks commenting on this site to replace Morey. How dare him aim high when teams approach him about one of his players. Is he asking for arguably way too much? Of course he is. Will he come down on his asking price? Who knows, but one thing is for certain. This Ben situation isn’t an addition by subtraction scenario. Sixers will not be better by simply dumping him for spare parts, and Morey knows this more than anyone.
For real, and what’s the rush? If I’m Morey, the way I see it is, you want me to give up my best asset for acquiring Beal or Dame should they become available, you better blow me away.
Trading Simmons for anything less than a top ten player straight up is a bad deal for philly. Adding Thybulle or Maxey to the mix is just plain stupid.
Simmons is an attitude adjustment away from being a straight up monster.
Top 10 Players in the NBA do not shoot 30% from the FT line or hide in the 4th quarter.
Ill counter.
Sixers better move Simmons for ANYONE who can play in their rotation NOW or else they will piss off Embiid and he will eventually demand a trade out.
Sixer fan needs to stop being smug and understand Embiid is the real issue here. If Simmons is not moved. Embiid will make the move himself. Then the Sixers will have a guy who cannot shoot and Thybulle and Maxey.
Lol, yea ok. Embiid is not asking out. He loves philly and the fans love him. He has embraced the process. He has never complained once. And let’s just say he eventually does give an ultimatum of simmmons or him, the Sixers would just buyout Simmons or trade him for pennies on the dollar vs trading embiid
‘Simmons is an attitude adjustment away from being a straight up monster.’
Have attitude transplants become a thing yet? Because Simmons has had several years to ‘adjust’ his and he hasn’t. In fact, his offensive game has gotten *worse* over time. You don’t get to include ‘hey, if this guy just tries harder, he’ll be great!’ as part of a player’s value, especially when that player has not earned the benefit of the doubt.
And I like Simmons as a defender and finisher. But he can’t do anything else, has an enormous contract, and just collapsed about as bad as a player can in the playoffs. He’s not worth anywhere near a top ten player.
That attitude adjustment won’t happen anytime soon. Simmons is more worried about being seen at public events than working on his game
Sixers need to trade their picks with Simmons because they will just trade them afterwards. Maybe just go back to draft and stash.
Problem is that K-Low is almost negative value at his age & 3 years in a row of injuries… FVV is just an average starter… OG another average starter… #4 is good as long as it isn’t the Sucks dude… all been said Morey shouldn’t deal with TOR as they don’t have anything of value apart of Siakam & #4 (not Sucks)
4 firsts from SAS is not bad as long as SAS ain’t in the playoffs, otherwise not good.
Overall both offers are poor for Simmons, I would expect Morey to get a lot more than that or to keep Big Ben in the team…
hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahah
Embiids the only one left.
I tend to trust Daryl Morey. There’s been to much inconsistent leadership in Philly.
Has he been actually working on his game or is he still on extended holiday whilst his country’s team are busy competing? Any team who trades for Simmons has to realize he his head isn’t fully in into basketball. He’s also wanting to be the social media star and be seen at public events. He has no passion for the game. That’s why Ben doesn’t have and doesn’t want to do what it takes to get better
The Sixers never asked Toronto for that trade. That’s about $70 million in salary they would be taking back which is impossible. The majority of trade rumors are fake.
It’s up to Lowry where he wants to go. All y’all are valuing him way too high in a trade from Toronto. He’s essentially a throw in to make salaries match or a low 1st or 2nd from a team that can absorb his cap in a trade scenario. Take Lowry out of the equation and FVV, OG and #4 isn’t really that unrealistic for Simmons. It’s a high price still but not as high as y’all are making it out to be