Did the Toronto Raptors just deny a blockbuster trade offer from the Philadelphia 76ers that would've sent Ben Simmons to Canada in exchange for a few starters? Obviously, it's the offseason and the rumor mill is spinning like crazy so it's best to take this in with a grain of salt.

Apparently, according to a report from Action Network, sources that are involved in the trade talks between the Raptors and the Sixers have confirmed that Philly actually sent out a massive trade package in exchange for their three-time All-Star, which was ultimately rejected by the Raptors front office. Per the report, the Sixers was asking for Kyle Lowry, Fred VanVleet, OG Anunoby, and the fourth overall pick in this week's NBA Draft for Simmons.

I mean, wow.

Don't get me wrong. I think Simmons is one of the best and most complete athletes in the league if he wants to be, but asking for three bonafide starters and a lottery pick for a person not named LeBron James or Luka Doncic is quite insane. This was probably what the Raps front office was thinking when they immediately rejected the offer.

RECOMMENDED (Article Continues Below)
Scottie Barnes got down to business on vacation in Cancun.

Nick Meyer ·

76ers Joel Embiid on the bench from game one or game two of playoff series vs. New York Knicks with Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart smiling or laughing.

Drew Maresca ·

76ers' Joel Embiid in front of a picture of Embiid at the postgame podium in sunglasses

Sam DiGiovanni ·

That being said, there is a deal there somewhere and it seems that the ball is on the court of Toronto for a possible counter offer. Simmons in exchange for possibly two or three players could be workable so it would depend on both franchises to hash things out and possibly come up with a win-win agreement.

Both teams need a renewed lineup heading to the 2021-2022 NBA season and they might want to keep their conversation going before another team swoops in and blows the whole deal up.