Another day, another Ben Simmons trade rumor. This morning, Sam Amick of the The Athletic reported some more intel on the anticipated moving of Ben Simmons, listing some potential landing spots. The biggest takeaway, a new team that has been added to the potential mix.

“Yet while Portland’s Damian Lillard and Washington’s Bradley Beal both appear to be in their respective holding patterns when it comes to possible requesting a trade, it’s looking increasingly likely that Philadelphia’s Ben Simmons will be on the move. One source close to the situation handicapped Miami, Toronto and Washington as the most likely landing spots. The Wizards scenario, of course, would only take place if Beal wound up deciding that it was time for a new chapter outside of the nation’s capital. The moving parts, as you can see, are sometimes part of the same puzzle”

There’s a lot to take in here. The biggest one, is that the Miami Heat are now in the mix. The Heat situation would be weird, considering Miami’s past commitment to keeping Jimmy Butler. We know that Ben and Jimmy haven’t worked in the past. Over the last few years, several rumors have come out about Jimmy saying Ben didn’t have what it took, they didn’t like each other, and more. If this deal did get done, there is a very good chance that Jimmy Butler could be back in a Sixers uniform, due to their issues and it makes the most sense financially.

It would definitely be weird to see Jimmy Butler in a 76ers uniform again. A Ben Simmons/Bam Adebayo offense would be incredibly clunky, but on the other side of that, it would be an elite defensive team.

The Wizards rumor is a different story, however. Philly fans have been wanting Beal forever now, and it seems like the relationship between Beal and the Wizards organization isn’t the best it’s been. I’ve gone on record saying the only two people this offseason that I trade Ben Simmons for is Damian Lillard and Bradley Beal, and it’s looking like that isn’t completely out of the picture.

The problems recently have stemmed from Beal being upset about the Wizards way of handling their vacant head coaching position. Per Katz, Beal was “frustrated” when Sixers assistant coach Sam Cassell was not brought back for a second interview. Cassell, who had a strong impact on the Sixers run this season, looks like he could be returning to the Sixers again next year, and if so, that could play a strong factor in bringing Beal to Philly.

The third team, with reports flying all around the league on Monday, the Toronto Raptors. The Sixers offered Simmons for Fred VanVleet, OG Anunoby, Kyle Lowry, and the 4th overall pick from Toronto, who eventually declined the offer. The Raptors have been a more popular name in the hunt for Ben Simmons is of recent, and I can’t see this being the last offer that is sent from either team.

The rumors just keep coming, and they’re starting to stack up. The Miami Heat are interested in Ben Simmons, but the previous tension between Ben Simmons and Jimmy Butler makes this a confusing package to even consider.

Update:

According to Sam Amick, a source with knowledge of Philadelphia’s Ben Simmons landscape is very much downplaying the Miami possibility. Also, as a sidenote, Simmons or his camp has not made any specific requests regarding possible landing spots.

Mandatory Credit: AP Photo