Lakers, Knicks among teams showing interest in Ben Simmons

Philadelphia 76ers guard Ben Simmons. Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Lakers, Knicks among newest set of teams showing interest in Ben Simmons

By Chelena Goldman | Last updated 12/13/21

The Philadelphia 76ers are ramping up efforts to trade disgruntled All-Star Ben Simmons to another team, according to multiple reports over the last few days.

ESPN reporting with @ZachLowe_NBA: Philadelphia's trade conversations on Ben Simmons gathering momentum in recent days. More teams engaged, more two and three-way deal structure talks ongoing as 76ers try to land a Top 25 player for Simmons.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) December 10, 2021

A fresh set of teams interested in trading for Ben Simmons, according to @ShamsCharania:

• Knicks
• Lakers
• Timberwolves
• Trail Blazers
• Kings
• Pacers
• Cavs pic.twitter.com/PJreoRTwOs
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) December 13, 2021

According to The Athletic's Shams Charania, the 76ers are looking at multi-team trade scenarios and "are currently asking teams for an All-Star-caliber player and/or multiple first-round draft picks for Simmons, sources said."

Simmons has yet to take the court this season following a summer rife with trade speculation and is getting fined for not playing. Simmons has since cited mental health issues as his reason for not playing and his agent, Rich Paul, told The Athletic last month Philly is worsening Simmon's mental state by trying to force him to play.

"I truly believe the fines, the targeting, the negative publicity shined on the issue — that’s very unnecessary and has furthered the mental health issues for Ben," Paul said. "Either you help Ben, or come out and say he’s lying. Which one is it?"

The NBA trade deadline is 3 p.m. EST on Thursday, February 10.

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