Just as the trade negotiations for Sixers’ star Ben Simmons seemed to be baffling far apart, a deal may be sooner than expected.
According to the Athletic’s Sam Amick, a Ben Simmons trade is “increasingly likely” with the Miami Heat, Toronto Raptors, and Washington Wizards leading the way in trade talks.
This is a far cry from initial reports that the most interested teams included the Sacramento Kings, Minnesota Timberwolves, Cleveland Cavaliers, Indiana Pacers, and the still interested Toronto Raptors.
It seems clear now based on this report and the reported trade offers, that those teams were hoping to steal Simmons away banking on his lowered value. Clearly, that didn’t work.
While his value may not be as high as the Sixers’ recent offer to Toronto may suggest, it’s clearly higher than the pitiful offer from Sacramento or Indiana.
It’s rather surprising to see the Miami Heat on the list of suitors. It’s curious whether they see Ben Simmons fitting next to Jimmy Butler or if he will be the return for Philadelphia.
The Toronto Raptors have been rumored to have interest in Simmons nearly since the beginning of the trade rumors. Whether for Kyle Lowry, the fourth pick in the 2021 NBA draft, or nearly the team’s entire starting lineup, there have been trade rumors a plenty involving Simmons and Toronto.
The Sixers reportedly made an offer to Toronto that was rejected but that incredibly high offer was probably made to offset the pitiful ones the Sixers received in an attempt to reset the market. Realistically the Sixers could be looking at a deal for Fred VanVleet, OG Anunoby, and a future first-round pick.
Finally the Washington Wizards are sensical suitors considering the many rumors of Bradley Beal to Philadelphia. The Wizards could start their rebuild off with a bang by adding Simmons and more from the Sixers.
Washington is the team to watch in a Simmons deal but Toronto seems to have the most interest. Time will tell where he ends up but it certainly seems like the Ben Simmons trade market is heating up.
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