The Ben Simmons drama in Philadelphia has reached new heights since we last checked on the situation. 76ers brass recently met with Simmons, and he again rebuffed another opportunity to make things work with the organization. Also, Simmons declined a visit from multiple Sixers teammates to hash out a potential resolution.
Simmons is digging into his stance to never wanting to play again for the Philadelphia 76ers. So, this means we’re going down a collision course with the likelihood Simmons will be traded. Sportsbooks and betting sites have markets available on that inevitability.
Favorites To Land Ben Simmons
Team | Odds |
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Timberwolves | |
Rockets | |
Kings | |
Nuggets | |
Warriors | |
Trail Blazers |
Odds via FanDuel and subject to change.
Simmons is an All-NBA talent with immense potential as a playmaker and defender. However, he’s never put it together on the offensive end to make him a more multifaceted threat. In a new situation, Simmons wants to be utilized more like Giannis Antetokounmpo is with the Milwaukee Bucks — ample driving lanes to create one-on-one matchups in transition thanks to endless amounts of floor-spacing equity from 3-point shooters.
Simmons will never reach that potential outcome alongside Joel Embiid in Philadelphia, so, for his own good, a breakup makes a lot of sense. If the Sixers are able to net a solid return, which GM Daryl Morey is holding out for, this could turn into a rare win-win for both sides. Let’s break down the odds at betting sites and see where the smart money should go.
Minnesota Timberwolves (+195)
The favorite in NBA odds to acquire Simmons, Minnesota is the best fit to bring out the best in the 2016 No. 1 overall pick. Minnesota is also desperate enough to make an aggressive push for Simmons, especially with Karl-Anthony Towns being put through the rigor with various management, coaching and roster changes.
Sliding in as the power forward alongside Towns, Simmons would be able to function as the fulcrum to an intriguing Minnesota core spearheaded by Towns and 2020 No. 1 overall pick Anthony Edwards. The price the Wolves would have to pay likely includes Towns’ good friend and starting point guard D’Angelo Russell. After Minnesota fired GM Gersson Rosas, this seems like a strong possibility to go down sooner rather than later.
Houston Rockets (+410)
Houston has officially hit the reset button, embracing a long-term rebuild around copious amounts of young talent. Jalen Green, Kevin Porter Jr., Alperen Sengun, Usman Garuba and Josh Christopher all figure to slot into the next great Rockets team. However, to pay the likely hefty price for Simmons, one or multiple of these prospects along with future first-round draft picks would need to be surrendered to Philadelphia.
Green is the only untouchable on this list, so would the Sixers bite on a potential trade offer from Houston revolving around Porter, John Wall’s bloated contract and future draft compensation?
Sacramento Kings (+550)
An intriguing NBA betting choice here. Sacramento is such a strong fit to accentuate Simmons’ strengths, but the Kings seem unwilling to bite on giving up one of De’Aaron Fox or Tyrese Haliburton in trade discussions. Will the Kings eventually change their tune?
It’s doubtful, but the longer this situation simmers, Simmons’ trade value will drop. An intriguing package for both sides could revolve around Buddy Hield, Marvin Bagley III and heavy draft compensation. Hield would help with Philadelphia spacing the floor even further for Embiid, but is it enough to beat out other potential offers elsewhere?
Denver Nuggets (+750)
The Nuggets landing on this list, especially with NBA futures odds below +1000, is a surprising development. Denver is a late addition to betting apps’ odds for Simmons, which allows us the opportunity to hypothesize a potential deal with Philadelphia.
Simmons is an excellent fit alongside 2020-21 MVP Nikola Jokic, but the asking price from the Sixers’ side will be enormous. After signing a five-year rookie-scale max extension, would Michael Porter Jr. be shipped in a Simmons trade? It’s doubtful, but Porter or Aaron Gordon stand out as the most obvious candidates to be moved in a blockbuster deal.
Golden State Warriors (+1000)
The Warriors reportedly were offered Simmons around the 2021 NBA Draft in exchange for Andrew Wiggins, 2020 No. 2 overall pick James Wiseman and four future first-round picks. Golden State quickly declined this offer from Philadelphia, but could they soon revisit it?
Simmons alongside Draymond Green in the Warriors’ frontcourt is very redundant, so the veteran would likely need to be re-routed to a third team to make this work. Would Golden State be comfortable giving up one of their recent draft picks (Jonathan Kuminga or Moses Moody) to pair with Wiggins and Wiseman?
Portland Trail Blazers (+1000)
When the Simmons situation reached an entirely new level after his playoff woes, Portland immediately stood out as the most logical destination. They have a player on their roster in C.J. McCollum who makes this potentially a win-win deal, and Portland is now on the clock to make it work this season before superstar Damian Lillard eventually requests his own trade.
If the Trail Blazers make an aggressive push for Simmons, they have the pieces in place to make a compelling offer around McCollum, Nassir Little and multiple future first-round picks. The question is, would Simmons want to join Portland if Lillard isn’t committing long-term?
Our Bet On Where Ben Simmons Lands
With the best odds at , Minnesota is the most realistic destination for Simmons. Also, it’s our bet where he eventually lands. Simmons’ fit in Minnesota is fantastic alongside Towns and Edwards. This trio would help vault Minnesota into real playoff contention for 2021-22 and beyond.
Also, from Philadelphia’s vantage point, a player such as Russell could be the best value to receive in any potential Simmons trade now. Russell is a three-level scorer who adds playmaking ability to a roster who would need some with Simmons’ looming exit.
Russell only has two years left on his max contract, and his fit is actually solid next to Embiid and Tobias Harris. The question is, when will a Simmons trade actually occur? We’ll find out soon enough, but this relationship between Simmons and Philadelphia seems all but over at this point.
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