As the 2021/22 NBA season enters the post-Christmas period, the Philadelphia 76ers appear no closer to finding a suitor for polarising Australian point guard Ben Simmons. Simmons, who has led Philadelphia to the playoffs in each of the past four seasons, is yet to suit up for a game this season after a public falling-out with the 76ers managementduring pre-season. Philadelphia have struggled to get going so far this season, hovering around the lower playoff positions in the Eastern Conference after clinching the number one seed. In Simmons’ absence, 21-year-old guard Tyrese Maxey has stepped up to a starting role and impressed, averaging 17 points and 4.5 assists per game. Forward Tobias Harris has been solid but hasn’t lived up to his US$180m price-tag. Seth Curry and Australian Matisse Thybulle are both handy pieces, although All-Star Joel Embiid is still crying out for more help.
The Cameroonian is averaging 25 points and 10 rebounds, and needs further support if Philadelphia are to challenge Brooklyn, Chicago and Milwaukee at the top of the east.
Joel Embiid is in dire need of the consistent support that Simmons used to provide - Photo credit: AP
76ers general manager Elton Brand and coach Doc Rivers have repeatedly stated a trade for Ben Simmons is not currently at the forefront of the team’s mind.
NBA executives are also reportedly not as invested in Simmons as the U.S media might make it appear.
Brand and Rivers continue to come under fire for the team’s mediocre start to the season, and 76ers fans won’t be too pleased with another early exit.
Offloading Ben Simmons and bolstering the starting five is surely the best way to rocket back up the standings, but which team will be prepared to make Philadelphia a sufficient offer?
A recent Covid outbreak throughout the NBA has further complicated an already messy situation, with any deal less likely to be completed whilst a significant portion of the league’s players remain under health and safety protocols.
The same handful of teams who were rumoured to be possible landing spots for Simmons at the beginning of the season remain in the hunt.
The Portland Trail Blazers, much like the 76ers, have also been surrounded by trade rumours for much of the season so far.
The Blazers have been underwhelming, sitting 11th in the Western Conference, leading some insiders to believe trading superstar shooter Damian Lillard could ignite a potential rebuild.
They could look to add Simmons in return and remain competitive whilst re-shaping the dynamic in the northwest.
Things haven’t gone to plan in Indiana.
The team has a few handy pieces but will surely entice the 76ers to consider parting with Simmons.
The likes of Domantas Sabonis, Myles Turner and Caris LeVert have been rumoured to be on the trade table for the Pacers, who will also have their sights set on the draft.
Is Sabonis on the trade table in order for the Pacers to get Simmons? - Photo credit: Rick Scuteri
On the contrary, Minnesota is gelling well as a team, led by Karl-Anthony Towns, D’Angelo Russell and Anthony Edwards.
The Timberwolves appear to be on the rise, but would they be prepared to part ways with Russell in order to bring in Ben Simmons?
The Timberwolves may be reluctant to break-up the trio which has elevated them into playoff contention.
With Russell only 25 years old, he would provide the Sixers with good ball handling and passing and, crucially, efficient three-point and mid-range shooting from the point guard position for a long time.
The Sacramento Kings haven’t made it to the playoffs in 15 years, and unless they’re able to bring in All-Star level talent, that streak will only continue.
The Sixers would love to prize out sharp-shooter Buddy Hield, or perhaps even speedy guard De’Aaron Fox.
The Kings could build around Simmons and promising guard Tyrese Haliburton in a bid to go beyond the regular season.
The Cavaliers have had an impressive start to the year, and boast some talented young pieces already.
Would they trade promising point guard Colin Sexton, or perhaps Kevin Love and an exchange of picks for Simmons?
The Cavaliers are hoping to make it to the Playoffs without favourite son LeBron James for the first time since 1998, and adding Simmons to an already youthful set-up would surely set the team up to be a consistent contender in the East.
The 76ers however may prefer to move Simmons to a Western Conference team.
Although the trade possibilities are almost endless, NBA executives are no closer to breaking the stalemate and the Ben Simmons saga appears destined to drag long into 2022.