Ben Simmons is back. Just because he finally reported to the Philadelphia 76ers, though, hardly means that Daryl Morey's stance on accepting anything less than a bonafide star in exchange for Simmons has softened.
According to Kyle Neubeck of Philly Voice, Philadelphia never had much interest in a trade package that would have brought Malcolm Brogdon and Caris LeVert to the City of Brotherly Love, one that was proposed by the Indiana Pacers.
“Recent reports have turned up names like Malcolm Brogdon and Caris LeVert, for example, but sources say the names floated in those talks came primarily from Indiana's end, with the Sixers never expressing much interest in a Pacers deal or even registering serious talks.”
It's been clear for months that Morey and the Sixers had no intention of trading Simmons without acquiring a superstar, an approach that was only fortified by his two-week holdout from official team activities. Unsurprisingly, Simmons suddenly showing up at team facilities earlier this week hasn't changed that dynamic.
“Trading Simmons for good players, even multiple good players, is not something they view as a path to either improving their current title odds or swinging a bigger deal down the line. They are after difference-making players, not more solid role players to add to what they feel is a reasonably deep (and young) group.”
Damian Lillard is re-entrenched with the Portland Trail Blazers, and Bradley Beal seems content with the Washington Wizards. Dreams of Zach LaVine forcing his way from the Chicago Bulls might be dashed given his incumbent team's potential improvement in 2021-22, too.
The Sixers, obviously, are comfortable playing the waiting game. Recent intel indicates Joel Embiid isn't putting pressure on the front office to make a trade, either. Until those stars or a fellow luminary becomes available, expect Ben Simmons to remain with Philadelphia for better or worse.
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