Ben Simmons is determined never to play a single minute for the Philadelphia 76ers again. Needless to say, that has sparked countless trade rumors all over the NBA, with multiple teams allegedly interested in his services.
"ESPN Sources: Philadelphia 76ers All-Star Ben Simmons will not report for opening of training camp next week and intends to never play another game for the franchise. Simmons hasn’t spoken to team since a late August meeting when he communicated this message to Sixers officials," reported Adrian Wojnarowski.
The Brooklyn Nets were one of the teams linked to a potential move for Simmons. Apparently, they could entertain the idea of swapping him with Kyrie Irving, a trade that would've suited both franchises.
ESPN: Kevin Durant Told The Brooklyn Nets Not To Trade Kyrie Irving For Ben Simmons
Nonetheless, it seems Kevin Durant wasn't having any of it. And, according to Stephen A. Smith, he even reached out to the Nets' front office to shut down those trade rumors right away:
"Here’s another thing that could happened! Kyrie could have ended up in Philly," Smith said on ESPN's First Take. "(Nets GM) Sean Marks couldn’t do that because KD wasn’t having it. KD wasn’t having it. KD like ‘Kyrie ain’t going no damn place!’ Let me tell you something right now, Philadelphia might’ve said no, but I assure you, I assure you, if it were not for Kevin Durant, the Brooklyn Nets would be interested in making that deal."
In reality, that would've been a perfect trade for both teams. Kyrie Irving is often absent and the Nets would get a better playmaker and much better defender in Ben Simmons. The Sixers would finally get the scoring guard they need next to Joel Embiid.
Then again, Kyrie Irving was one of the biggest reasons why Kevin Durant decided to join the Nets in the first place, so they'd be wise not to do anything to upset their franchise player. So, the Sixers will have to find a new trade partner.
