The Minnesota Timberwolves and the Toronto Raptors were identified as the two teams that showed the most interest in Ben Simmons, the Philadelphia 76ers' want-away star. As it turns out, however, the Sixers weren't too pleased with what these two teams had to offer, which eventually led to a potential trade deal falling through.
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, Philly is standing pat with regard to its lofty price tag on Simmons. Both the Timberwolves and the Raptors failed to meet their demands, which is basically why Ben Simmons is still a member of the Sixers at the moment:
The 76ers opened up trade conversations around Simmons, the three-time All-Star, in July, but so far their conversations have not reached the cusp of a deal. Philadelphia has conducted expansive discussions with several teams, including Minnesota and Toronto, but neither a Timberwolves package nor the Raptors’ proposals have appealed to the 76ers as of yet. Philadelphia has set a high price threshold for teams to meet in talks for Simmons thus far.
The details of Minnesota's and Toronto's offers were not made public, but what is clear is that the Sixers weren't happy with them. Either the Timberwolves and the Raptors are low-balling Philadelphia, or the Sixers have simply tagged Simmons with an outrageous price. Either way, it doesn't look like a deal is coming to fruition anytime soon.
It seems as though the Sixers are willing to hold the former NBA Rookie of the Year hostage in Philadelphia. Simmons is clearly unhappy with his current situation and is hoping to be traded sooner rather than later, but the Sixers could keep him in Philly against his will if other teams refuse to meet their asking price. It's a standoff which hasn't yet arrived at a point of resolution.
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