Sixers’ List Of Acceptable Players In Return For Ben Simmons At About 30

The 76ers don’t appear to be loosening their stance on receiving a star player in return for very available guard/forward Ben Simmons, and even have a list of about 30 players that they are seeking in a potential Simmons trade, per Sam Amick of The Athletic.

That list includes Wizards guard Bradley Beal, Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard and Nets guard James Harden, Amick reported, though he was not able to identify all of the 76ers’ potential targets.

Both the 76ers and Simmons are responsible for turning the situation into a mess and probably a bit of a distraction for the players who are healthy and in uniform. Sixers head of basketball operations Daryl Morey, Simmons and agent Rich Paul have all discussed the possibility of a Simmons trade since June — and still, no deal.

It has been said that Simmons intends to never play for Philadelphia again. He has told the 76ers he is not yet “mentally ready” to practice or play, but supposedly has been working out with the St. Joseph’s University basketball team.

The Sixers have been fining Simmons, seemingly off and on, for missing games.

“Whether the 76ers will ever be able to actually land one of the targets on their list remains an open question, but the fact that they remain focused on players of that caliber is an indication they’re still content to take their time to resolve the Simmons situation,” wrote Luke Adams of Hoops Rumors.

Several reports have suggested the 76ers are more likely to make a deal closer to Dec. 15, when players who signed offseason contracts are eligible to be traded. That would open up a much larger pool from which to choose.

Also, they could wait all the way until closer to the Feb. 10 trade deadline, though by that point, the season could be a lot closer to lost.

“Possible ownership pressure, fan frustration, and a handful of other factors will have to be taken into account,” Adams wrote, relaying what had been reported by Amick.