Report: Sixers Engage in Trade Talks on Ben Simmons

So much for the Philadelphia 76ers' supposedly renewed commitment to Ben Simmons.

According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the Sixers have begun engaging in trade talks on the embattled All-Star with interested teams. Just because Daryl Morey and company are now open to dealing Simmons, though, hardly means they'll be accepting a less-than-desirable trade package back in return.

The 76ers have opened up trade conversations surrounding Simmons and have engaged with teams, sources told The Athletic. Those sources also say that teams that have engaged with the 76ers about Simmons have been met with a high price threshold for the three-time All-Star.

A source with knowledge of the discussions told The Athletic that Philadelphia covets an "All-Star caliber player" for Simmons, confirming prior reporting of the Sixers' asking price.

The Trail Blazers have been earmarked as a possible trade partner for Philadelphia ever since Simmons' horrific free-throw shooting and inability to score in the halfcourt prompted a disappointing loss to the Atlanta Hawks in the Eastern Conference Finals last month.

Though both Neil Olshey and Chauncey Billups have suggested Portland's roster is unlikely to undergo significant changes this summer, the specter of Damian Lillard's potential departure could nevertheless make the Blazers players in the Simmons sweepstakes. C.J. McCollum would make a snug fit next to Joel Embiid with the Sixers, giving them perimeter dynamism and late-game shot-making Simmons has long been unable to provide.

While both leaguewide chatter and betting markets hinted at the likelihood of a McCollum-Simmons trade in wake of Philadelphia being eliminated, though, more recent speculation has centered on Lillard being sent to the City of Brotherly Love.

Sixers looking to get an All-Star in return makes sense. Portland is the most interesting team here, IMO. If CJ McCollum were in the East, I think he is an All-Star already. The bigger question: Is Lillard available? https://t.co/7GEwXgQekz
— Mr. Statistician Face Man (@tomhaberstroh) July 13, 2021

Lillard pushed back last week on reports about his mounting frustration with the Blazers. Barring a change of heart and abrupt trade demand, Lillard—signed through 2023-24—is almost guaranteed to play at least one more season in Portland.

Simmons, by contrast, seems more likely than ever to be moved this summer, and has lost the sheen that even a few months ago would have made him an attractive centerpiece in a blockbuster trade for a superstar. McCollum isn't at Lillard's level, obviously, and is more expendable to the Blazers now than in recent years given their mandate to re-sign Norman Powell and the ongoing growth of Anfernee Simons.

The Sixers have reportedly already rejected the Indiana Pacers' offer of Malcolm Brogdon and a future first-round pick. Would they value McCollum higher? As Philadelphia works the phones on a trade for Simmons, it's incumbent on Olshey and Portland's front office to find out.

[Shams Charania, The Athletic]

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