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Ben Simmons Trade Rumors: Heat, Raptors, Wizards Seen as 'Most Likely Landing Spots'
July 28, 2021
The odds of Philadelphia 76ers star Ben Simmons playing on a new team in 2021-22 are "looking increasingly likely," according to The Athletic's Sam Amick.
Amick reported the Miami Heat, Toronto Raptors and Washington Wizards may be leading the field to land the three-time All-Star.
Amick added the Wizards' odds are contingent upon Bradley Beal. Bleacher Report's Jake Fischer reported Saturday that Beal was weighing his future with the Wizards, and Philadelphia might be a landing spot that interests him.
In Simmons, the Wizards would get a player who simultaneously helps them win now while serving as the centerpiece of the future. He turned 25 on July 20 and is signed for four more seasons.
Simmons isn't a great fit next to Russell Westbrook, so perhaps his arrival would go in tandem with Westbrook's exit. Fischer reported the Los Angeles Lakers are interested in acquiring the 2016-17 MVP.
Given Philadelphia's reported asking price for Simmons, putting together a trade package might be difficult for Miami.
According to The Athletic's Shams Charania, the Sixers hope to get an "All-Star-caliber player" back. Assuming Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo are off limits, the Sixers may not be all that keen on a deal that includes Tyler Herro and/or Precious Achiuwa. Duncan Robinson and Kendrick Nunn, both of whom are restricted free agents, could be moved in a sign-and-trade.
The Raptors are seemingly more intriguing from Philly's perspective because they could send Pascal Siakam to the Sixers or do a sign-and-trade involving Kyle Lowry. Siakam would provide some scoring punch from the perimeter, while Lowry is the veteran playmaker and long-range shooter the team sorely needs.
And for Toronto, the logic in getting Simmons would be the same as with Washington. The 2020-21 season was a bit of an aberration for the Raptors given everything that went wrong, so they should be right back in the thick of the playoff hunt next year.
Not much more needs to be said about Simmons' struggles in the postseason, but he would unquestionably help Toronto during the regular season.