NBA Rumors: Trades, Simmons, Warriors, Cavaliers, Wade, Cousins

Ben Simmons rumors continue to swirl, though it appears that he’ll remain with the franchise through the start of the season.

The Sixers are expecting the All-Star to suit up for them to begin the year, though if that doesn’t happen, Philadelphia’s rotation would surely look different.

Rich Hofmann of The Athletic examines what Doc Rivers’ Simmons-less rotation would look like and contends that Tyrese Maxey, Shake Milton, and Furkan Korkmaz would see the biggest boost in minutes should the former No. 1 pick sit on the sidelines.

More NBA Rumors

• The Warriors will work out Isaiah Thomas this week and Marc J. Spears of ESPN’s The Undefeated hears that the teams’ interest is sincere. Thomas hasn’t been the same since a hip injury derailed his career, though the point guard reiterated to Spears that he is “fully healthy” and “can do everything” that he used to do on the basketball court.
  
• The best trade in history between the Heat and Cavaliers might be the team turning LeBron James leaving for Miami into a sign-and-trade, Jack Simone of All U Can Heat opines. However, throwing that out since it was simply a formality of moving LBJ strategically, Simone believes the 2018 deal to bring back Dwyane Wade is actually the best trade between the two franchises.
  
• Matt Modderno of Bullets Forever examines a list of still-available free agents that the Wizards should keep tabs on, including DeMarcus Cousins and Ed Davis. Washington picking up another veteran center may hinge on whether or not Thomas Bryant (ACL injury) is able to make a smooth return to the court early in the season.
  
• Miami ICYMI: Erik Spoelstra could potentially be in the running to replace Gregg Popovich as Team USA. Spoelstra coached the Select Team, which is a team of young players who could potentially play for the United States in the Olympics.
  
• Cleveland ICYMI: The franchise remains among the most aggressive trade partners regarding Philadelphia and Ben Simmons. The Cavaliers and Timberwolves are seen as the two clubs making the hardest push to trade for the No. 1 overall. However, it appears that Philadelphia is planning to hold onto Simmons for now.