Right now, it doesn't look like the Philadelphia 76ers will enter the 2021-22 season with Ben Simmons on their roster. Rumors have been rife about an impending move away from the Sixers for the All-Star point guard, and at this point, it truly feels like a blockbuster deal is going to be announced any day now.
With all the trade rumors circling since the end of the previous season, it's actually becoming suspect that the Sixers still haven't been able to find a suitable trade partner for Ben Simmons. Reports suggest that Philly's asking price is too high, which has turned off a number of teams in their chase for the former Rookie of the Year winner. As it turns out, however, what Simmons brings to the table — or the lack thereof — is a major hindrance in a potential trade deal.
According to NBA insider Paolo Uggetti of The Ringer, opposing teams might not be as interested in a Simmons deal as we've all been led to believe:
Simmons’s value, though, is almost secondary to the fact that his unique style (a defense-first player who isn’t a threat to shoot and has a non-traditional impact on both ends) makes finding a fit difficult. Not to mention that the lasting image teams have of him from last season is his passing up the easiest shot on the court. That’s why, even though a trade seems more likely than not, it may be a while before it happens.
“To be honest, there’s really no ideal place for him,” one Eastern Conference scout said.
Yikes. This is definitely a tough look for Simmons. This puts him in a terrible situation as well with both himself and the Sixers seemingly convinced that a trade is the only way to resolve this issue. With this recent revelation about his trade value, however, is there really a possibility that Simmons ends up staying in Philadelphia? That should be interesting, to say the least.