Pacers spoke with 76ers about potential trade for Ben Simmons

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Report: Pacers spoke with 76ers about potential trade for All-Star Ben Simmons

By Zac Wassink | Last updated Oct 5, 2021 7:55 PM ET

Philadelphia 76ers All-Star guard Ben Simmons seemingly isn't too bothered the club reportedly placed $8.25 million owed to him at the start of October into an escrow account, as the 25-year-old remains away from his current employer in an attempt to force a trade either before or after the season starts.

According to Ian Begley of SNY, the Indiana Pacers have discussed a trade that, among other things, would involve Indiana sending guard Caris LeVert to Philadelphia for Simmons.

The Sixers obviously would require additional assets, and Begley noted: "It is unknown if talks between Philadelphia and Indiana have progressed beyond run-of-the-mill contact."

Interestingly, ESPN NBA insider Brian Windhorst referred to Indiana as a "sleeper" team in the pursuit of Simmons this past Friday:

It had been reported during the summer that the 76ers wanted an All-Star, draft picks, and pick swaps for Simmons, but that was before ESPN's Ramona Shelburne said last week that the three-time All-Star was willing to sit through the entire 2021-22 season to have his trade wish granted. The Sixers, meanwhile, reportedly intend to fine Simmons roughly $227,000 for each game he misses during the standoff.

ESPN reported Friday that Simmons received $8.25 million as part of his contract on Aug. 2.

For what it's worth, Simmons allegedly desires to only join one of three California teams, but such a club would have to match whatever Philadelphia's asking price becomes as this process plays out.

Zac Wassink

Zac Wassink is a longtime sports news writer and PFWA member who began his career in 2006 and has had his work featured on Yardbarker, MSN, Yahoo Sports and Bleacher Report. He is also a football and futbol aficionado who is probably yelling about Tottenham Hotspur at the moment and who chanted for Matt Harvey to start the ninth inning of Game 5 of the 2015 World Series at Citi Field. You can find him on X at @ZacWassink

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