Sixers Open Up Ben Simmons Trade Conversations – Want All-Star Player in Return

It’s been a rough stretch for Sixers guard Ben Simmons, who took the heat from basketball aficionados, following a 2nd round choke job. Rather than claiming a Hawks win, most experts flagged it as yet another blown lead for Doc Rivers and Philadelphia.

Philly, up 3-2 in the 7 game series, blew 10 & 26 point leads in consecutive games, which handed Atlanta all the confidence and momentum to make the ECF. And while the implosion occurred in quick succession post the Game 7 loss, it may be time for 76’ers GM Daryl Morey to make some tough calls this offseason.

The Sixers roster, which saw them capture the 1st seed in a season where the East equaled the West in talent, flamed out against Atlanta. Simmons, who averaged 14.3ppg in the regular season, plummeted down to 11.9ppg in the playoffs.

Read More – ‘Would’ve Knocked His A** Out’: Shaquille O’Neal Roasts Ben Simmons After Disappointing Playoff Run

And while his assist and rebound averages spiked in the playoffs from 6.9apg/7.2rpg to 7.9rpg/8.8apg, his lack of a mid-range game hurt Philadelphia. Simmons through Games 5 to 7 was visibly avoiding shot attempts to minimize the bleeding. Furthermore, his inability to exploit the FT line affected his only offensive tactic of driving to the basket!

Is Ben Simmons about to be shipped from Philly?

Philadelphia ahead of the upcoming off-season is now actively shopping its all-star player. The Sixers have already opened up trade talks with multiple teams, looking for a star like Simmons for their facilitation role.

The source who aired Philly’s demands for 3-time all-star told Shams that “(The 76ers) want an All-Star-caliber player in return.” And while franchises can only set trade talks and free agency pitches in motion post-August 2nd, multiple teams, hunting for a player like Simmons have matched the price threshold set by the Sixers.

Read More – “I Want Him Back”: 76ers’ Coach Doc Rivers Backs Ben Simmons After Disappointing Season 

While it may look like this postseason damaged his stock value in the league, multiple franchises look to him as an answer for roster gaps that don’t include shooting! Even with his shooting woes, Simmons is a 1-time All-NBA and 2-time All-Defensive member, with a realistic shot at DPOY.

The former Rookie of the Year in 2017-18 currently has 3 years left in his contract. He also brings certain skills to the table which will perfectly fit with the likes of

KD and Harden in Brooklyn or Steph and Klay in Golden State, given their pure shooting ability.  

Considering that Simmons passed on a trip to Tokyo this summer with Team Australia, he clearly hears all the slander and is ready to put in the work this offseason. Will the 2021-22 season unveil a re-modeled Ben Simmons to the basketball world?

The more pertinent question rather is will he still don a Sixers jersey come October, or have the Sixers seen enough to ship him off and make a fresh start?

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