When Ben Simmons and the Philadelphia 76ers signaled that their relationship was coming to an end, two teams emerged as frontrunners for the 25-year-old’s services.
Those two teams? The Toronto Raptors and Minnesota Timberwolves.
Between the clear interest both squads have displayed in getting something done, and Simmons suggesting that he was prepared to go to extreme lengths to leave Philly, many assumed a deal was imminent.
And yet nothing has happened. Why?
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the primary issue is that potential suitors are failing to meet the Sixers’ desired asking price.
“The 76ers opened up trade conversations around Simmons, the three-time All-Star, in July,” he said.
“But so far their conversations have not reached the cusp of a deal. Philadelphia has conducted expansive discussions with several teams, including Minnesota and Toronto, but neither a Timberwolves package nor the Raptors’ proposals have appealed to the 76ers as of yet. Philadelphia has set a high price threshold for teams to meet in talks for Simmons thus far.”
The Sixers very clearly have their eye on a particular trade. And even if it doesn’t happen, the Timberwolves steadfast refusal to include one specific player in any proposed deal has rubbed Philly brass the wrong way. That said – the relationship between Simmons and the organization is deteriorating rapidly.
Simmons wants out, and he is prepared to make things ugly in order to get his way.
Will something get done over the next few weeks? Time will tell.
More must-reads: