More rumors begin to surface with every passing day regarding the potential trade of 76ers star Ben Simmons. Several NBA teams have inquired with multiple offers on the board, but Philadelphia remains relentless in their pursuit for an All-Star. At least four teams have discussed deals with the 76ers, but nothing seems likely so far. With that in mind, here’s a recap of every rumor you might’ve missed.

Shams Report:

Before going into the interested teams, Shams Charania reported Tuesday that the 76ers have opened up conversations regarding Ben Simmons and have engaged in discussions with other teams on potential trades. Daryl Morey and the 76ers have made it clear they want an All-Star player back in any of these potential trades.

Portland Trail Blazers:

Nothing has happened yet, but keep your eye on what’s going on in Portland. Recently, Oregon Public Broadcasting reported that the team did not thoroughly investigate the allegations against Chauncey Billups. Since that report has come out, Sean Highkin reported that the Blazers GM Neil Olshey might be fired for this story. 

If Olshey is fired for failing to do a proper background check on Billups, he would likely follow shortly after. This mess could possibly be the final straw for Damian Lillard, who could be on his way out in Portland. 

Sacramento Kings:

According to Jason Anderson of the Sacramento Bee, the Kings have shown interest in Ben Simmons but are very unlikely to include point guard De’Aaron Fox in any possible deal. Anderson went on to say the Kings would be likely to include Marvin Bagley, Buddy Hield, and one or two first-round picks. 

The 76ers would need the Kings to send a minimum of three first-round picks if they were to consider an offer of Bagley and Hield. Despite that, the 76ers wouldn’t be interested unless Fox or Tyrese Haliburton were involved. It makes sense why the 76ers don’t want to bring in rebuilding pieces when they want to contend now. But, if Sacramento agreed to move all those assets, they could likely be involved in a three-way deal to bring another star to Philadelphia.

Toronto Raptors:

According to Marc Stein, the Raptors were one of the five teams that showed interest in Ben Simmons, but no potential offer has circulated yet. There is other news regarding the 76ers and the Raptors, though. According to The Athletic, Philadelphia would have to send Tyrese Maxey, Matisse Thybulle, or draft capital alongside George Hill or Seth Curry in a sign and trade for Kyle Lowry.

Adding Hill or Curry would be for matching salary, but Thybulle and Maxey should be off-limits until the situation with Damian Lillard is settled one way or another. Seth Curry is also way too valuable to be moved for salary filler and shouldn’t be involved in any deal for Lowry. Daryl Morey was attempting to acquire Lowry at the deadline, but the price was too high, and the Sixers eventually settled for George Hill.

Minnesota Timberwolves:

According to Timberwolves reporter Dane Moore, 76ers GM Elton Brand has met with Minnesota’s President of Basketball Operations Gersson Rosas to discuss a potential trade for Ben Simmons. However, Moore stated that the negotiations were not substantive at this time.

The Athletic reported that the Timberwolves were holding guard D’Angelo Russell out of any trade negotiations, viewing him as a key piece of their core. Without Russell, the Wolves can’t offer anything attractive to the 76ers outside Anthony Edwards. Even if D-Lo were involved, the price wouldn’t be high enough for Daryl Morey. 

Cleveland Cavaliers:

The Cavaliers have been one of the more aggressive teams pursuing Ben Simmons and have been attempting to throw everything at Philadelphia in hopes of landing him, but it doesn’t seem to be working out. According to Terry Pluto of Cleveland.com, Daryl Morey and the 76ers would have little interest in an offering surrounding guard Collin Sexton, Kevin Love, and draft picks for Simmons.

Indiana Pacers:

Indiana was the first team we know of that proposed a deal to the 76ers for Ben Simmons. According to Jason Dumas, the Pacers offered Malcolm Brogdon and a first-round pick for Simmons, but the Sixers declined the offer. 

Based on what Philadelphia wants, it doesn’t seem like the Pacers could offer anything that fits those qualifications besides Domntas Sabonis. Even then, Sabonis and Embiid is a very clunky fit. Over the coming weeks, more and more offers will likely surface for Ben Simmons, especially as the 2021 NBA Draft gets closer.

Mandatory Credit: Sporting News