As the basketball offseason continues with the 2021 NBA Draft, trade rumors continue to run wild. One player whose name has come up quite often happens to Philadelphia 76ers PG Ben Simmons.
The 25-year-old was once seen as an integral part of the 76ers roster, however, his lack of development has drawn the ire from the fanbase. Simmons hasn’t developed a jump shot, nor does he often use his size to drive to the basket. Whether it choosing not to take open shots or passing it when he should’ve gone for the lay-up, it was clear that he was hurting Philadelphia’s postseason run this year rather than helping it. Ever since then, trade rumors have surrounded Simmons and most fans are trying to figure out if he’ll end up playing somewhere else.
Bovada has released odds on where Ben Simmons will begin the 2021-22 NBA season. At -165 odds, the most likely scenario sees him remaining with the 76ers to kick off the new campaign. For starters, Simmons is owed around $146 million over the next four seasons, which is a lot for a player coming off of the playoff performance that he had. Some teams may not be willing to take that type of salary on or if they are, may not have the contracts to match it for a trade. Secondly, as mentioned before, Simmons is just 25 years old. The 76ers have invested all of this time and money into him already, so they may be willing to give him the offseason to improve his game before reassessing their decision later on.
There’s also the chance that Simmons could begin the season with Philadelphia, only to get traded later on in the year. It’ll be tougher to move him after the season begins, but never say never.
Ben Simmons Odds: Who Will He Start the 2021-22 NBA Season With?
Odds via Bovada as of Thursday, July 29
- Philadelphia 76ers (-165)
- Washington Wizards (+400)
- Toronto Raptors (+400)
- Miami Heat (+450)
- Minnesota Timberwolves (+1200)
- Cleveland Cavaliers (+1500)
- Sacramento Kings (+1500)
Will Simmons End Up in Washington?
When it comes to a possible Ben Simmons trade, the 76ers are allegedly looking to get back an all-star quality player in return. Considering how there’s a rumor about Bradley Beal being unsure about his future with the Washington Wizards (+400), it makes sense that both players would be involved in a trade for each other.
If Beal wants out of Washington, the Wizards may as well go for a full rebuild. They’ve been a middle-of-the-pack team for the last few years, so it’s clear that something isn’t working. While he may be stuck in an offensive rut, Ben Simmons is still talented defensively and can be someone that the Wizards see a future in. On the other hand, the 76ers need someone who can help shoot the ball and few players are as good as that as Beal. He’s averaged at least 30 points per game over the last two seasons, which proves that he’s the player that Philadelphia needs. Obviously, the 76ers may have to throw in some young pieces or draft picks to help get the ball rolling, but a Simmons-Beal swap definitely makes sense on paper.
Raptors in the Mix for Ben Simmons
Like the Wizards, the Toronto Raptors (+400) have been one of the teams linked in a potential Ben Simmons deal. According to reports, the 76ers recently offered the Raptors Simmons for OG Anunoby, Kyle Lowry, Fred VanVleet and the fourth overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, however, Toronto rejected it. Obviously, that’s a lot to pay for Simmons. But the fact is that a deal can still get done.
There were rumors last year that if the Raptors were to have traded Lowry by the deadline, his preferred destination was his hometown of Philadelphia. With him being an upcoming free agent, it’s entirely possible that the Raptors could sign-and-trade him to the 76ers in a deal that includes Simmons. After all, the latter does fit into the age range of Toronto’s current core and, perhaps, a change of scenery could help him get his NBA career back on track. Meanwhile, the 76ers would get a veteran point guard with championship DNA to help them elevate their game.
