Report: 76ers have opened trade talks for Ben Simmons, expect ‘All-Star-caliber player’ in return

According to a recent report, the Philadelphia 76ers have already begun exploring potential trades for three-time All-Star Ben Simmons.

“The 76ers have opened up trade conversations surrounding Simmons and have engaged with teams, sources told The Athletic,” wrote Shams Charania. “Those sources also say that teams that have engaged with the 76ers about Simmons have been met with a high price threshold for the three-time All-Star.

 

“‘(The 76ers) want an All-Star-caliber player in return,’ one source with knowledge of the ongoing talks said.

 

“Make no mistake: Interest across the league in Simmons remains robust. He’s turning just 25 this month, was an All-NBA team member in 2019-20, is a two-time All-Defensive first-team member and a Rookie of the Year award winner. Simmons is under contract through 2025, making him the type of superstar talent that rarely becomes available at an attainable price at this juncture of his career.”

While it was reported throughout the playoffs that some NBA executives weren’t as high on Simmons as they used to be, it certainly seems like there is a competitive market for the 24-year-old. It will be very interesting to see which team, if any, pulls the trigger on a deal.

Two of Simmons’ biggest weaknesses emerged as legitimate issues throughout the 2021 NBA Playoffs. He struggles on free throws and seems to have no confidence in his jump shot.

In the 2020-21 regular season, he averaged 14.3 points, 7.2 rebounds and 6.9 assists per game. He added lots of value on the defensive end, but if Simmons wants to take his game to new heights, he is going to need to add a jump shot and improve at the charity stripe.