Report: 2 new teams have entered the Ben Simmons trade rumor discussions

Ben Simmons trade rumors keep on coming. Shortly following Adrian Wojnarowski’s report regarding trade discussions for Ben Simmons ramping up, known Klutch Sports pawn Shams Charania provided more insight on teams in the running to land the biggest baby in the NBA.

Earlier this morning, Charania reported that there are now seven total teams in the running to acquire Ben Simmons via trade from the Philadelphia 76ers.

Those seven teams include the Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks, Minnesota Timberwolves, Portland Trail Blazers, Sacramento Kings, Indiana Pacers, and the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks are the new teams in the hunt, but neither have much they can offer for Simmons.

It’s pretty convenient that Shams threw the Lakers into trade rumors. On top of that, I wouldn’t dare trade Ben Simmons to Los Angeles for the sole reason that he wants to play in California and more specifically, for the Lakers where his buddy LeBron James and Klutch Sports headquarters reside.

Anyways, the Pacers, who were reported to be headed into a rebuild, are still interested in Ben Simmons. Charania went on to say that it’s still unclear how much traction the 76ers have on a move. 

“I think this is definitely the beginning of the end for the Jayson Tatum-Jaylen Brown pairing…I think sometime in the next 12-18 months we’re really going start to hear conversations about the future of Boston with Jaylen Brown heading out the door.”

– @JakeLFischer pic.twitter.com/LSbr7HXVyq

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) December 13, 2021

Another note to keep an eye on is, according to Jake Fischer, the Celtics could move on from Jaylen Brown in the next 12-18 months if things don’t improve in Boston. The Celtics reached out a few weeks ago regarding Ben Simmons, with Morey wanting Brown in return but all reports indicated at the time, Boston was not willing to entertain the 76ers’ offers.

It’s likely any trade would occur after Wednesday’s free agency restriction is lifted, allowing players signed this offseason to be moved. Bradley Beal has been potentially hinting at an exit, and the likelihood of a Simmons trade by the trade deadline has undoubtedly increased heavily.

Mandatory Credit: Sports Illustrated