The Cleveland Cavaliers are one of the teams most interested in Sixers star Ben Simmons. Could they be willing to sell the farm to get a deal done?
According to Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com, the Cleveland Cavaliers have not marked any of their players as “untouchable.” Though the Cavs haven’t had trade talks with the Sixers in weeks, this could signify that there may eventually be a deal to be had.
It’s refreshing from a Sixers perspective to hear about a team’s available players as most teams are leaking what players they won’t part with. Now every player on the Cavs’ roster isn’t equal. While Fedor was clear in stating that no one is “untouchable,” he stated that Cleveland has their favorites. Fedor specifically spoke about who is more likely to stay and who could be included:
Sources maintain the Cavs don’t have any “untouchables.” However, prized rookie Evan Mobley and rising point guard Darius Garland are closest to that designation. The likelihood of either player being moved is incredibly low. That leaves Collin Sexton, Isaac Okoro, and future first-rounders to help cajole a Simmons deal.
Darius Garland is who the Sixers are reported most interested in (and rightfully so), but it’s not surprising that the Cavs want to keep him for the same reasons the Sixers are interested in the first place. What makes it even more difficult for the Sixers to acquire Garland is that he, like Simmons, is represented by famed NBA tyrant agent, Rich Paul who likely is looking to keep the two clutch clients together in a trade scenario.
At the end of the day, the Cavaliers make all the sense in the world for Ben Simmons. No, it’s not California, but Simmons would come in and immediately be the star of the show. The team would run around him, and there are many players on the Cavs who Simmons would fit well next to.
Darius Garland, Lauri Markenan, and Evan Mobley would be a wonderful supporting cast for the NBA’s top player in assisted three-pointers. Obviously, Garland is less likely to be included in a trade, but if they can land Sexton, Okoro, salary filler, and picks (depending on the amount), a deal can likely be had.
