Cavs A ‘Wild-Card’ As Possible Ben Simmons Destination

Rumors surrounding 76ers star guard/forward Ben Simmons are heating up again, especially given a report earlier this week that he no longer wants to be in Philadelphia.

Already this summer, Simmons has been linked to the Kings, Timberwolves, Pacers, Trail Blazers, Warriors and several others.

One of the others is the Cavaliers, and they could indeed be a “wild card” in a Simmons deal, according to Derek Bodnar of The Athletic.

It’s difficult to envision the Cavs having enough assets — or at least assets they would be willing to move — to land Simmons on their own.

But as Bodnar suggested, a trade for Simmons doesn’t have to be straight up or involve just two teams. As if often the case, a third team can be brought in to help facilitate a deal. (Much like the Cavs’ three-team arrangement to acquire Lauri Markkanen.)

Clearly, the salary of power forward Kevin Love could help in a Simmons deal, but the Sixers would want more than just the injury-prone, fading Love. They would want draft picks and at least one player who is not only young, but who also fits their “win-big-now” approach.

Meanwhile, Evan Dammerall of Fear The Sword reported Simmons would be open to playing for the Cavs in the event a deal is reached.

Simmons’ agent, Rich Paul, also represents Cavs point guard Darius Garland, and Simmons has held workouts at Garfield Heights High School near Cleveland.

But again, the 76ers’ asking price for Simmons appears to be significant. Some have suggested they are asking way too much, and likely will have to consider lowering their demands. 

“Think about three months ago when the Sixers are willing to give up Ben Simmons. You are like, ‘Let’s see what we have to do to get him,’” a Western Conference executive said, via Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer. “Now, the difference is Ben Simmons says he refuses to play for the Sixers. He wants to go to three California teams. There’s so much bad blood between him and the team.”

The executive later added, “The kid said he’s not going back. I’m not giving you what you’re demanding. They really messed this up.”

Simmons to the Cavs seems like a long shot at the moment. There are are just so many other interested parties in the same boat. That said, as Bodnar indicated and one source told Hoops Wire about the Cavs, “They’re interested and you cannot count them out.”

Follow Sam Amico: @AmicoHoops