NBA team executive: 76ers' Ben Simmons is 'so broken right now'

The latest trade speculation involving Portland Trail Blazers superstar Damian Lillard included an unnamed individual taking somewhat of a shot at much-maligned Philadelphia 76ers guard Ben Simmons.

For a piece published by The Athletic on Wednesday, David Aldridge and John Hollinger suggested a swap could occur this summer involving both Lillard and Simmons. 

"Lillard to Philadelphia for Simmons is definitely the cleanest in terms of contracts and positions, with Simmons signed for four more seasons at enough money that he can be dealt for Lillard straight up," Hollinger noted. 

Interestingly, Aldridge explained he recently spoke with an NBA team executive about Simmons potentially joining Portland. 

"He (Simmons)’s still really good," the executive told Aldridge. "But he’s so broken right now, you’re going to get killed if you do that. And, you’re the guy who replaced Dame." 

Simmons has confirmed he won't play for Australia in the upcoming Olympics so he can work on his overall development after he shot a dreadful 34.2% from the free-throw line during the playoffs and otherwise disappointed on offense throughout the postseason tournament. 

While ESPN's Brian Windhorst reported this week that Lillard hasn't yet seriously considered demanding a trade this summer, Simmons' current value on the market may not be what some thought only a week or so ago.