Daryl Morey has yet to receive an offer he likes for Ben Simmons. What players could be tantalizing enough that he would pull the trigger on a trade?
The Ben Simmons trade saga continues on with new information every day. One of the newest developments came from Sixers’ President of Basketball Operations, Daryl Morey.
Morey appeared on 97.5 The Fanatic to discuss recent developments leaked to the media. Morey said a few things that stood out about the Sixers’ stance on dealing Simmons. He mentioned that the only packages they have been offered were centered around role players, which is something they are not interested in right now. The organization views Simmons as a difference-maker and would only trade him if they would receive a difference-maker in return. They believe they have a better chance to win the title with Simmons on the team currently.
It seems as if Morey and GM Elton Brand are banking on a team getting off to a bad start and a GM getting desperate and wanting to make a move to save the season. They could also be banking on another star player becoming disgruntled and requesting to be traded. Take a look at three players that Daryl Morey could have his eyes on in later this season:
Bradley Beal
According to reports, Bradley Beal had a chance to request out of Washington in the summer but decided against it. The Wizards have been at the bottom of the league for a few years and snuck into the playoffs last season. The Wiz traded Russell Westbrook for Kyle Kuzma, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and Montrezl Harrell.
They also signed Spencer Dinwiddie in the offseason in hopes of creating a roster to entice Beal to stay in Washington long term. If the Wizards get off to a rough start, Beal could request to be traded, and the Sixers would be first in line for a trade.
De’Aaron Fox
The Sixers and Kings have been linked together all summer in regards to Ben Simmons trade talks. It has been reported that the Kings would not give up any of their major pieces for Simmons. It was also reported that the Sixers wouldn’t have serious discussions with the Kings unless De’Aaron Fox or Tyrese Haliburton are on the table.
The Kings seem to underachieve every year, and if they are in the same boat this year, Kings GM Monte McNair could be under pressure by ownership to make a splash move. If that is the case, a call to Morey could be the first thing McNair does to discuss a swap of Simmons and Fox.
Zach LaVine
The Bulls went all in trying to surround Zach LaVine with players that could help him win. They acquired Nikola Vucevic from the Magic at last season’s trade deadline. They also signed Lonzo Ball and Demar DeRozan during the off-season. Zach LaVine declined to sign an extension this offseason but instead decided to opt to become a free agent next summer. LaVine would be eligible for a five-year 200 million dollar contract if he re-signs with Chicago.
If the Bulls get off to a slow start this season, LaVine could decide that he is not committed to the Bulls long-term, and the organization may not want to lose him for nothing. If this situation plays out that way, you can expect Daryl Morey to make a call to the Bulls to pry LaVine away from Chicago.
Until an All-Star caliber play becomes available, expect Ben Simmons to be a 76er for the foreseeable future. As Morey said, “buckle up, we could be in for the long hall.”
