Rumor: New Orleans in the mix for Ben Simmons, offers pick-based deal
The Ben Simmons rumor mill is reaching full capacity. Shortly after it was reported, the Knicks and Lakers were interested in Ben Simmons, another team is now in the mix. According to Michael Scotto of USA Today, the Pelicans proposed a trade offer for Simmons composed of draft picks and pick swaps for the disgruntled star. The Pelicans have struggled this season and are currently in last place in the Western Conference with a record of 8-21.
New Orleans is a team surrounded in controversy, much like the 76ers, thanks to Zion Williamson, who is reportedly out of shape and nowhere close to returning this season. Daryl Morey has been receptive to receiving draft picks for Simmons but would likely want to use them as part of a three-team deal. Brandon Ingram would be a perfect fit for this team, but Scotto stated that Ingram was not involved in their negotiations.
If a trade were to occur now, New Orleans would need to match Simmons’ max contract, so Ingram makes the most sense. However, if they were just trying to match salary, the next best bet is a combination of Josh Hart, Jonas Valanciunas, and a minimum contract.
This combination makes no sense for Philadelphia. Just like other reports, I doubt a deal with the Pelicans would happen unless a third team or Ingram were added.
After today, any free agent signed this offseason can now be traded, which should open the market up for Morey and the 76ers.In the meantime, they will face off against the Miami Heat tonight, looking to rebound from their horrific loss to Memphis on Monday.
Mandatory Credit: Getty Images
[…] that we’ve reached the December 15th marker of the season opening up the pool of players eligible …s, it is time we revisit one player down in San Antonio receiving little buzz from the […]
[…] two talked about the Ben Simmons saga and the trade rumors heating up surrounding him now that we are past the December 15th date and more players have become […]