Is there a Ben Simmons trade on the way? We are two days away from the date that everyone circled on the calendar. Dec. 15 is an important date when it comes to NBA trade talks. It is the date that players who signed new contracts over the offseason can be traded. Up until that date, those players aren’t permitted to be included in any trades. Do Morey and the Philadelphia 76ers have a deal in the works? Let’s look at the rumors.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
The Thunder are currently sitting at 8-17. They recently signed Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to a five-year, $172 million rookie extension with no opt-outs this past offseason. The extension does not kick in until the 2022-23 season. The fourth-year guard is currently averaging 21.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, and five assists so far this season.
A player like Gilgeous-Alexander, a young, controllable rising All-Star, would be great in return for Simmons. But it just does not make any sense from the Thunder’s side to trade him. There would have to be an extensive package. To think that the Thunder will trade Gilgeous-Alexander one year into its rebuild for a 25-year-old player who does not fit their timeline and has already expressed his desire to only play on the West Coast.
Damian Lillard
Trail Blazers interim general manager Joe Cronin made it known that the franchise has no plans to include star point guard Damian Lillard in the Ben Simmons trade discussions. Now, this could be a negotiation tactic. The goal is still for Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups and Cronin to build the franchise around Lillard, who has explicitly stated that he wants to be in Portland. While Lillard, Cronin, and Billups appear to be on the same page, Philly would love to pair Lillard with Embiid.
Simmons Welcome Playing for Popovich
Adding Simmons could certainly help the Spurs as they look to overcome their bad start and make the playoffs in a top-heavy conference for which only five teams are above .500. However, the question is whether the Spurs could come up with a trade offer appealing enough.
Morey was looking for a “James Harden-Esque” deal. Morey doesn’t appear willing to trade Simmons for anything less than a significant haul. That’s an issue for the Spurs. They have one budding star player in point guard Dejounte Murray and some intriguing young talent around him. Unless San Antonio wants to trade Murray plus some other pieces, a Simmons deal would not work.
Is there a Ben Simmons trade on the way? Hopefully or the next calendar day circled will be the trade deadline.
Al is one of the two co-creators of Edge of Philly Sports. Al started radio and podcasting in 2012 and covering sports in 2015. A lifelong Philly sports fan since watching the Eagles, Phillies, Sixers, and Flyers with his grandfathers at age 7. Al always looks at the other side of the hot topics and gives his different outlook on those topics. Web and Graphic Design.
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