NBA Buzz: Trade Rumors, Simmons, Harden, Holiday, Cavs, Celtics

The Ben Simmons saga remains at large as the Sixers have reportedly discussed a blockbuster trade with the Atlanta Hawks that would send John Collins to Philadelphia in the deal.

“The 76ers and Hawks briefly kicked around a trade of Ben Simmons and Tobias Harris for John Collins, Bogdan Bogdanovic, and Danilo Gallinari,” Michael Scotto of HoopsHype reported Wednesday.

It’s worth noting that the Hawks aren’t alone as the Kings and Hornets are also among the teams that have shown recent interest in Simmons. The Sixers would want a Sacramento package that includes Tyrese Haliburton and multiple first-round picks (we detailed why the Kings are Daryl Morey’s best bet).

The Hornets have inquired about trading for the Philadelphia star, according to Shams Charania and Sam Amick of The Athletic. It’s not clear what Charlotte’s offer is at this time, though one thing for sure is that LaMelo Ball isn’t on the table.

From Atlanta though, Philadelphia would want John Collins and multiple first-rounders. In both cases, they’d want to also move on from Tobias Harris‘ contract as part of the deal, but the Hawks are reportedly uninterested in Harris, leading to a stall in discussions.

More NBA Rumors, News & Notes

• James Harden looking to change teams? Harden will be a free agent (assuming he turns down his player option) during the offseason and Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report hears that the star hasn’t enjoyed living in Brooklyn and he has some concerns with the franchise, including the team’s handling of Kyrie Irving. The door may be open for Harden to find his way to Philadelphia, though it still seems like a longshot.
  
• Justin Holiday on the move? The Celtics and Bucks have an interest in trading for Justin Holiday, according to Evan Massey of NBA Analysis Network. Indiana is certainly open for business with Myles Turner, Domantas Sabonis, and Caris LeVert all rumored to be available ahead of the Feb. 10 deadline and the team’s other players are drawing interest from rival teams as well, including Holiday. It’s worth noting Jrue Holiday, Justin’s brother, plays for the reigning champs, Bucks.
  
• Lauri Markkanen Update: Markkanen is sidelined indefinitely after suffering a sprained ankle during Saturday’s win against Oklahoma City, wrote Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com. “Markkanen walked out of the arena Monday night on crutches and in a walking boot. The Cavs don’t have a specific — or general — timeline for his absence.” Fedor went on to say that the team first wants to see how the swelling subsides over the next few days but multiple sources estimate the Cavs big man is expected a couple of weeks at minimum.
  
• What’s up with Cam Reddish? Reddish played just five minutes in his New York debut on Sunday and he didn’t see the court on Monday. Ian Begley of SNY.tv explains that there simply may not be a spot for him in the rotation at the moment but speculates that the Knicks could be working on trades that would allow for Reddish to get more opportunity given the fact that they surrendered a first-round pick for the former Duke star.
  
• Warriors have no plans to add center to roster: Golden State is without Draymond Green (calf/back) and there’s still no timetable for James Wiseman to make his season. Yet, the team has no plans to trade for or sign a big man at this time, according to Anthony Slater of The Athletic.
  
• What teams make sense for Paul Millsap? The Nets and Millsap have agreed to find a trade for the power forward and we examined some possible destinations, including the Utah Jazz.
  
• Robert Williams Trade Buzz: The Celtics center has reportedly “drawn interest” ahead of the 2022 NBA trade deadline on Feb. 10, per Michael Scotto of HoopsHype. Rival executives don’t expect Boston to move Williams despite the interest as they view him as “part of the core” alongside Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.