Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Report: 76ers 'Hope' to Trade Ben Simmons Ahead of NBA Draft
The Philadelphia 76ers have reportedly seen enough from Ben Simmons.
The organization is hoping to move their 25-year-old guard ahead of Thursday night's NBA Draft, according to Jason Dumas.
If the 76ers are going to strike a deal before the draft they'll have to bring down their exorbitant asking price. General manager Daryl Morey is reportedly asking for a "James Harden-esque" return for Simmons, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, and that is unlikely to be met.
The 76ers reportedly asked Toronto for Kyle Lowry, OG Anunoby, Fred VanVleet, and the No. 4 pick in the draft in exchange for Simmons, per Matt Moore. The Raptors, of course, said no.
Toronto has reportedly been shopping Pascal Siakam ahead of the draft and Philadelphia has been doing research on the 27-year-old former all-star. If the 76ers lower their asking price ahead of the draft it's possible a deal for Siakam gets done, but until Morey comes back down to earth it's hard to see Simmons getting dealt.
The draft will open at 8 p.m. ET.
Further Reading
Bobby Webster discusses Masai Ujiri's, Pascal Siakam, and the team's draft strategy
Report: Raptors among 3 teams 'most likely' to land Ben Simmons
Jalen Suggs talks Raptors development, says whoever passes on him will regret it
