Sixers May Wait Until Dec. 15 To Fully Explore Ben Simmons Trades

The 76ers appear to be waiting until Dec. 15 to “for things to open up a bit more” in their trade talks surrounding guard/forward Ben Simmons, according to Kyle Neubeck of Philly Voice.

Dec. 15 is when most players who signed offseason contracts become eligible to be traded, expanding the pool of available players and “creating opportunities for larger deals around the league,” Neubeck wrote.

The Sixers reportedly have or had been engaged with multiple teams regarding a Simmons trade, including the Pistons, Cavaliers, Kings, Timberwolves, Spurs, Raptors, Pacers and Rockets, to name a few.

Per Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Sixers have been exploring a deal with the Pistons involving Simmons and Detroit forward Jerami Grant. But Neubekc’s sources refuted that those talks are ongoing or that a deal centered on Grant even appeals to Philadelphia.

Either way, the Sixers have a list of about 30 players that they aim to pursue in a Simmons deal, per Sam Amick of The Athletic. Multiple names on the reported list involve players who are currently trade-eligible, but not believed to be available — such as Nets guard James Harden, Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard or Wizards guard Bradley Beal.

“In the Detroit example, sources say there’s not much of a discussion to be had unless the Pistons unexpectedly decided to throw Cade Cunningham, this year’s No. 1 overall pick, into the mix,” Neubeck wrote.

Simmons, 25, has yet to appear in a game this season and has told the 76ers he is not yet mentally ready to play or practice. Reports, however, state he has been practicing with the nearby St. Joseph’s University basketball team.

It has also been reported (by Pompey) that Simmons does not intend to suit up for the 76ers again.

Multiple league executives have told Hoops Wire that they believe a Simmons trade could involve multiple teams, as opposed to being just a straight-up deal involving the 76ers and one other.