The Timberwolves, Pacers, Cavaliers, Pistons, Raptors and Spurs are the six clubs still willing to negotiate the acquisition of star point guard Ben Simmons by the Sixers.
That's what reputable Philadelphia insider Keith Pompy reports. According to his information, the Sixers have been in discussions with other teams to trade the 25-year-old Australian all offseason, but so far a deal has not happened because of the club's high demands.
"I have been informed that Minnesota, Indiana, Cleveland, Detroit, Toronto and San Antonio are still interested in acquiring Simmons.
Sources around the league believe Philadelphia has been asking too much for Ben this offseason, expecting Portland point guard Damian Lillard or Washington guard Bradley Beal to become available for a trade after some time.
Also, a source told me: Simmons' agent Rich Paul tried to help the Sixers get five players for Ben through a three-way deal. However, that attempt failed because of Philadelphia's high demands," Pompy writes.
As a reminder, Simmons did not arrive at Philadelphia's training camp, which began Sept. 28. The playmaker is reportedly willing to miss the entire season in order to secure a trade despite huge penalties.
In the 20/21 regular season, Simmons appeared in 58 of the 72 regular-season games. Ben scored 14.3 points, 7.2 rebounds and 6.9 assists (with 3 steals) in 32.4 minutes for the Sixers, hitting 55.7 percent from the field and 61.3 percent from the free-throw line.
The Australian's maximum contract runs through 2025, with Ben expected to earn approximately $33 million for the 21/22 season.
