The months have gone by and Ben Simmonsâ situation with the Philadelphia 76ers is pretty much the same since his stand-off began. The Australian may still be tied to the Sixers, but he couldnât seemfurtheraway from the team.
Despite his absence, Philadelphia has been doing fine in the 2021-22 NBA season. But thereâs no use in having Simmons on the sidelines for much longer, while the 25-year-old also needs to have playing time again.
The Sixers, however, know Simmonsâ worth and were unwilling to let him leave for anything less than another All-Star player. Their demands could prove them costly, though, as theyâve prevented them from finding a trade partner so far. But it looks like theyâre still holding for the likes of Damian Lillard and Bradley Beal.
NBA Trade Rumors: Sixers frustrate BenSimmons suitors with Lillard, Beal hopes
According to Sam Amick of The Athletic, teams who showed interest in Ben Simmons have began to grow tired of Daryl Moreyâs demands to let him leave. Apparently, his stance would also have to do with a desire to makea late push for Lillard or Beal.
âSources say the Sixers â who have been on the lookout for an All-Star in return for Simmons for so long now â have continued to ask for a massive haul in return while frustrating some suitors along the way. As such, some team executives remain convinced that Sixers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey is still waiting for Portlandâs Damian Lillard or Washingtonâs Bradley Beal to be made available down the line (i.e. this summer at the earliest),âAmick reported.
Lillard has already shut down any trade rumors involving him and his exit from the Blazers looks unlikely â especially halfway through the season, while Beal mightnot be available at all either.
However, the Sixersâ return expectations are crystal clear. They want another superstarand look willing to wait as long as it takes until that happens. But with the trade deadline drawing nearer, it remains to be seen if theyâll be willing to go beyond that date without trading Simmons.
