Official preparations for the 2021-22 season have finally begun. Unfortunately for the Philadelphia 76ers, though, it seems they're no closer to finding a resolution regarding Ben Simmons — whether via a long-awaited trade or convincing the three-time All-Star to have a major change of heart.
According to Kevin O'Connor of The Ringer, Philadelphia is nowhere near completing a trade for Simmons and is holding out hope he'll eventually renege on his holdout from team activities.
Things can change fast, but league sources don’t sense that a deal is anywhere close right now. The Sixers still hope Simmons will return to the team so they can experiment with his role, or increase his value and help create more trade possibilities.
It's hardly a secret that Morey covets a superstar in potential trades for Simmons, the type of perimeter playmaker who would help keep the Sixers' championship window open for the duration of Joel Embiid's prime.
But with Damian Lillard evidently recommitted to the Portland Trail Blazers and Bradley Beal and Zach LaVine still unavailable, the offers being made to Philadelphia are reportedly a far cry from what Morey wants. League logistics are another barrier to any prospective deal for Simmons, too, per The Ringer.
Offers for Simmons have thus far included draft picks or young players, not anything a contender like Philadelphia would want. And since nearly half the league is ineligible to be dealt until December 15, teams that might be willing to offer a veteran can’t do that yet.
It's been broadly reported that the Sacramento Kings, Minnesota Timberwolves, Toronto Raptors, Golden State Warriors and San Antonio Spurs possess some measure of interest in Simmons. But players like De'Aaron Fox and Karl-Anthony Towns have yet to be put on the table, and it goes without saying that Golden State has no interest in parting with Steph Curry.
If Morey has his sights set on swapping Ben Simmons for a true star, it seems ever likely that the Simmons drama won't be ending any time soon.
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