USA Today via Reuters
Jun 18, 2021; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Ben Simmons (25) drives to the basket against Atlanta Hawks forward John Collins (20) during the first half in game six in the second round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs. at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Jun 18, 2021; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Ben Simmons (25) drives to the basket against Atlanta Hawks forward John Collins (20) during the first half in game six in the second round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs. at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
With the halfway point of the NBA season approaching, the saga of Ben Simmons still has no clear answers. After a playoff blunder last season, Simmons is yet to suit up for the Philadelphia 76ers and is unlikely to do so. Hence, they may look to trade him away with the deadline approaching. Likewise, a surprising team has emerged to sign the Australian guard.
Since the beginning of the season, Simmons has his feelings to not play for Philadelphia anymore. After receiving the blame for their playoff losses, he felt distant from the city and wanted a move. While that hasn’t happened, there were encouraging developments in the light of fines being imposed on him. However, despite all that, it seems Simmons is standing at the same spot.
USA Today via Reuters
Jun 20, 2021; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Ben Simmons (25) dribbles the ball against Atlanta Hawks center Clint Capela (15) during the first quarter of game seven of the second round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Hence, the Sixers will look to send him off. Surprisingly, recent reports suggest the Atlanta Hawks could be a possible destination for Simmons.
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Ben Simmons to be a Hawk?
According to NBA insider, Marc Stein, the Atlanta Hawks are keeping their eyes on the whole Simmons situation. With the deadline approaching, the Hawks are currently 17-20 for the season and the 12th seed in the Eastern Conference. Hence, acquiring Simmons would be a big upgrade. However, can a trade be on the table?
Simmons and Philadelphia took a surprising loss to the Hawks in the playoffs last season. Their loss to the Hawks is the reason the Sixers and Simmons aren’t on the best grounds. However, with Simmons’ willingness to play anywhere but Philadelphia and the Sixers desperate to find a replacement, a trade can definitely be considered.
As I indeed reported in my This Week In Basketball column expertly aggregated below, Atlanta has emerged as suitor to monitor for Philadelphia's Ben Simmons.
Lots more trade scuttle in the piece here: https://t.co/90TI6eGMN3
Lotsa room for the link after the 👀, @TheNBACentral https://t.co/nEuD6sY8Po
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) January 7, 2022
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However, the main problem remains as to what the Hawks can offer. Currently, the Hawks have a cut-throat roster with Young, John Collins, and Clint Capela as the star players. Hence, they don’t have much to offer up to bring Simmons. That will be the main obstacle for them.
The Sixers have made it clear that they want an All-Star caliber player in exchange for Simmons. Previously, they rejected multiple trade requests with talented players coming. They will only accept a trade with one of the big-time players and there is no way the Hawks will put up Young. However, if the frustrations grow, Philadelphia could make a deal for much less.
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Do you think Simmons could be a Hawk? Let us know in the comments below.
