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Matt Slocum / Associated press
Ben Simmons is still with the Philadelphia 76ers, but the relationship seems irreparable, and the team may have to trade the star point guard after refusing to show up early in training camp.
The 76ers are looking for business partners, with United States today‘s Jeff Zillgitt noting that the team was “targeting” squads in the Western Conference. However, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said on Friday the Indiana Pacers could become a contender, calling them “the dormant team in this whole situation” on ESPN. The jump (2h30 mark).
Simmons, 25, has been at odds with the Sixers since their loss to the Atlanta Hawks in the Eastern Conference semifinals in June. Simmons has averaged just 9.9 points per game in this series, and he did not attempt to pitch in the fourth quarter of Game 7.
While the Portland Trail Blazers and Minnesota Timberwolves have been linked with Simmons, Windhorst noted that the Pacers have some advantages, including control over their future first-round picks. Windhorst also said he believes the Pacers “can come up with an offer that few teams can match.”
Despite his career-long shooting struggles and tensions with Philadelphia, Simmons is still valuable. He is a three-time All Star, is an excellent host (7.7 assists per game) and has been named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team in each of the past two seasons. He could form a solid partnership with Pacers big man Domantas Sabonis, who averaged a career-high 20.3 points per game last year and made his second All-Star appearance.
The Sixers don’t have to rush to trade Simmons, who still has four years on his contract. Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer also said the team was withholding the second 25% of Simmons’ salary this year, around $ 8.3 million, due to his inability to show up to training camp.
This development alleviates the financial pressure on the team and can give it leeway in the search for an ideal job. It also gives the Sixers a chance to reconcile with Simmons. Center Joel Embiid has expressed a desire to continue playing with Simmons, telling reporters on Monday: “I really hope he changes his mind.”
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