It appears that the Philadelphia 76ers are still asking too much for their disgruntled All-Star Ben Simmons. And this is even after they accepted the reality that they might not be able to get a superstar in return.
According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, the 76ers recently reached out to the Portland Trail Blazers and offered them Simmons in return for C.J. McCollum. But Philly wasn’t interested in doing a one-for-one swap, as they also asked to get three first-round picks and three draft swaps. The Trail Blazers deemed this too steep and pulled out of talks.
The two teams are reportedly still talking, but one would have to significantly lower their expectations in order to push the deal over the finishing line.
Charania also reports that the 76ers are talking with the Indiana Pacers about a potential trade. The talks are reportedly centered on Simmons heading to Indiana, while Malcolm Brogdon, Caris LeVert, and picks would head in the opposite direction.
Ben Simmons asked the 76ers for a trade back in August, and the two sides are engaged in a rarely-seen standoff since then. Simmons made a decision to remain away from the team until he gets his wish, while the 76ers opted to withhold his salary and fine him for every game he misses.
