New Frontrunner Has Emerged in the Ben Simmons Trade Sweepstakes

Ben Simmons trade rumors persist despite the hot stove cooling down.

Trade talk has completely dried up in NBA circles in the past two weeks.

When talks heat up again, keep an eye on the surging Cleveland Cavaliers in Ben Simmons trade talks with the 76ers, Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN said Christmas Day on NBA Countdown. Here is what Wojnarowski said, via Adam Hermann of NBC Sports Philadelphia.

“But here’s an interesting team to watch: the Cleveland Cavaliers, who before they went on this really incredible start to the season, had been engaged with Philly on Simmons. They’ve got some really intriguing assets, either in a straight deal or perhaps a three- or four-team deal. It was reported earlier J.B. Bickerstaff agreed to a new extension today through 2026-27. This is a team in Cleveland that’s just a game out of third place.

“Philly’s a team right now, in that bunched up East, who could be out of the play-in with a couple of losses, the way it’s bunched up. So expect Philly to start talking more with teams as we get closer to that Feb. 10 deadline, and it will be interesting to see if Cleveland re-engages as a team that I think’s built for long-term success with all their young players. Ben Simmons is only 25 years old; he does fit into the timeline of that team.”

For Christmas, we all got some new Ben Simmons trade buzz 👀 https://t.co/JaqVaqdtet

— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) December 26, 2021

There were reports floating around a few months ago about talks between the two teams. Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com reported this information back in late September:

“Sources maintain the Cavs don’t have any ‘untouchables.’ However, prized rookie Evan Mobley and rising point guard Darius Garland are closest to that designation. The likelihood of either player being moved is incredibly low. That leaves Collin Sexton, Isaac Okoro and future first-rounders to help cajole a Simmons deal.

“According to sources, the 76ers would want limited or no protections on those firsts in hopes of flipping them for an All-Star caliber player around the deadline.”

Simmons has not played for the 76ers this season. Following a holdout, Simmons reported to the team but said he was not mentally ready to play.

He’s still looking for a safe landing spot.

At this point who even wants to deal with his baggage. He’s a great player, but he still can’t shoot.

Simmons is going to one day look back and regret the time he chose to not play basketball. Life is short, hoop it up while you still can.

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