According to reports from Kevin O’Connor and Keith Smith today, interest seems to be ramping up between the two sides but doesn’t seem to be close to finalized. D’Antoni is a good candidate but ideally doesn’t seem to fit with Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons. Ty Lue still seems to be in the race for the gig also. According to reports, in the last 24 hours interest has seem to vastly increase on the 76ers side with D’Antoni.

According to Keith Smith, the Sixers have let teams know they are open to trade talks if D’Antoni is hired by the Sixers and they realize the current constructed roster isn’t ideal with his offense. This seems to be very contradictory with the reports from Elton Brand saying he is keeping both Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid.

Kevin O’Connor mentioned Chris Paul as a possible name and others have mentioned Buddy Hield as a possible target. Keep in mind several of the front office executives on their way out were heavily interested in D’Antoni years back. The next round of interviews are expected to be soon, likely within the next week. Lue and D’Antoni are expected to be the final two candidates with Billy Donovan being hired by Chicago.

Mandatory Credit: AP Photo/Michael Wyke