One poor season can do all the damage to an NBA player’s demand in the trade market. Last year, it happened with the image of Dennis Schroder, Tyler Herro, and Kristaps Porzingis to name a few. But one name that faced the most heat was Philadelphia Sixers’ Ben Simmons.
The 3x All-Star had a forgetful 2020-21 season where he choked in the playoffs and that tainted his worth to a great extent. From a potential DPOY to a man Philly wants out, it was a roller-coaster ride that didn’t go well. But now, the star has three potential markets that can promise a turn to his fate.
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Philadelphia Sixers have three good options for the Ben Simmons trade
Currently the 21st best-paid NBA player, Ben Simmons has four years left on his contract with the Philadelphia Sixers. Those four seasons promise him around $146 million guaranteed money and that makes him an expensive fish.
Yet, there are three markets that can be willing to make a trade with Philly and those are the Wizards, the Raptors, and the Heat.
"Ben Simmons will be on the move. One source close to the situation handicapped Miami, Toronto and Washington as the most likely landing spots."
– @sam_amick pic.twitter.com/BPEw8AOu87
— NBA Central (@TheNBACentral) July 28, 2021
Notably, Philly might demand a Russell Westbrook swap if they’re to give away Ben Simmons and that’s a big ask. Also, Ben’s history with Jimmy Butler as a teammate can make the bargain a little trickier with the Heat. So among these teams, the Raptors seem to be the most possible destination for Ben.
Read more – Ben Simmons Not Sought By Top Teams, Believes NBA Analyst
Which teams denied a Harden-esque trade for the Peacemaker?
Remember how the Rockets received Caris LeVert, Rodions Kurucs, three 1st round picks (‘22, ‘24, and ‘26), and four first round swaps (‘21, ‘23, ‘25, and ‘27) in a three-team deal for James Harden? Well, the Philadelphie Sixers want something similar for their star. As Adrian Wojnarowski recently detailed, “Sixers have been canvassing around the league and they’re asking for a massive return for Ben Simmons.”
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The latest on the Ben Simmons trade talks heading into Thursday’s NBA Draft on ESPN and ABC pic.twitter.com/n5XoD14JWB
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 29, 2021
Now, the Raptors already declined one such demand from Philly and the Spurs joined them too. Notably, the 76ers wanted four first round picks and three swaps for young Spurs players to make the deal. The Spurs did not see a degrading Ben as a balanced package and they declined.
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Given Benn is still a promising talent, do you think the Sixers will find a trader with such enormous demands? Help us know in the comments below.
Watch this story – Kyle Kuzma, Ben Simmons, and Other NBA Players Who Had a Forgetful 2020-21 Postseason