Sixers Not Interested In Ben Simmons-For-Kyrie Irving Swap

The 76ers do not have any interest in trading guard/forward Ben Simmons to the Nets in exchange for point guard Kyrie Irving, according to Sam Amick of The Athletic.

Simmons has just reported to Philadelphia after holding out for all of training camp and most of the preseason. Word is, he still prefers to be traded elsewhere, and the 76ers are still reportedly seeking a deal.

Meanwhile, the Nets announced that Irving will either have to receive the COVID-19 vaccination or will have to sit out.

Both situations have led to speculation that the All-Stars could be traded for each other. But according to Amick, the 76ers would shoot down any such scenarios.

That said, “Simmons’ camp has not scratched the Nets as a potential trade partner,” RealGM relayed.

Irving is not anti-vaccine, but is instead upset that people who aren’t vaccinated have been losing their jobs or denied employment, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.

“Kyrie wants to be a voice for the voiceless,” a source told Charania.

Irving apparently has explained his stance to his Nets teammates.

“To him, this is about a grander fight than the one on the court and Irving is challenging a perceived control of society and people’s livelihood, according to sources with knowledge of Irving’s mindset,” Charania wrote. “It is a decision that he believes he is capable to make given his current life dynamics.”