It doesn’t appear that the 76ers are any closer to finding a deal for Ben Simmons, but it appears they are interested in more players than just Damian Lillard or Bradley Beal in a potential deal.
According to Sam Amick of The Athletic, there’s “about 30 players that will satisfy the Sixers in a Simmons swap.” Not only that, but it is said that there is an “internal belief” that a fair number of those players could become available at some point in the next few years.
A 76ers source told Amick: “This feels like a multi-year affair.
We’re a month into the Ben Simmons saga and he still hasn’t been able to play a game for the Sixers.
A source said @sam_amick that Simmons has reiterated a strong desire to trade in recent days.
Where everything stands and what’s next ️ https://t.co/hwOFvBGJiv
– The Athletic (@TheAthletic) November 18, 2021
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No wonder Lillard is said to be “near the top” on Philadelphia’s list. Beal, who has a player option on his contract for the 2022-23 season, is also said to be very tall. Amick also mentioned James Harden, who has a history with the 76ers basketball executive chairman Daryl Morey and, after failing to sign an extension with the Nets in pre-season, could join the 76ers by signing and buying during the season. .
Simmons is yet to play a game this season. Last month, The Athletic’s Shams Charania reports that he expressed a desire to compete but was not mentally prepared.
“This is no longer about buying and selling,” said Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul, who represents Simmons, said in an interview with Charania. “This is about finding a place where we can help Ben regain his mental strength and get back in the ring. I want him on the floor playing the game he loves. I want Ben on the ring no matter what. whether it’s in the 76ers uniform or any other uniform, it’s not up to me, but I want him to be in a state where he can continue to play. We want to cooperate and we want to bring him back. back to the ring.”
Amick, however, reports that a source with knowledge of the negotiations between the two sides indicated that Simmons recently “reiterate his strong desire to be traded. “
1 pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, Simmons has a career average of 15.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, 7.7 assists and 1.7 steals per game. In addition to three All-Star picks, he has an all-NBA Third Team pick and two all-defensive First Team picks named after him.
After signing an extension in 2019, Simmons has a contract until the 2024-25 season.
THAN: Build the perfect team around Ben Simmons
The 76ers got off to a strong start to the season despite being without Simmons but are now sitting 8-7 after losing five games in a row. Tobias Harris recently returned, but both Joel Embiid and Matisse Thybulle remain absent after having to attend to tournament health and safety protocols.
