These Nine Teams Still Active in Trade Talks for Ben Simmons

 

While Ben Simmons goes through health and safety protocols over the next few days before rejoining his Philadelphia 76ers teammates, there are still a number of teams known to be actively engaging in trade talks with the Sixers, according to Bleacher Report's Jake Fischer. 

Cleveland, Detroit, Houston, Indiana, Minnesota, Portland, Sacramento, San Antonio and Toronto have all remained engaged with Philadelphia on trade talks centered around Ben Simmons, per @JakeLFischer pic.twitter.com/lMYQGUKFLk

— NBA Central (@TheNBACentral) October 13, 2021

In alphabetical order, the nine teams who have been active in talks are: the Cleveland Cavaliers, Detroit Pistons, Houston Rockets, Indiana Pacers, Minnesota Timberwolves, Portland Trail Blazers, Sacramento Kings, San Antonio Spurs and Toronto Raptors. 

Fischer notes sources tell him there is a 10th "mystery team" that has held "substantial trade conversations with Philadelphia of late,... yet it remains unclear, even to members of Klutch Sports, who this purported additional suitor is."

As no team has apparently come close to matching Sixers GM Daryl Morey's exorbitant asking price, Philly has told teams that a "three-team structure" would be the prudent thing to explore, according to Fischer. For instance, teams that are offering several draft picks could reach out to teams with a true All-Star that Morey wants in return, and try to swing a deal that way.

The Pistons are said to be willing to include Jeremi Grant in a deal, and the names Dejounte Murray and Lonnie Walker IV have been mentioned from the Spurs, but those aren't likely players that would get a deal done on their own. 

While the Sixers hope that Simmons' return will help them mend fences and have him buy back in to Philly, the thought is that this latest move to report by Simmons and Klutch is simply to increase trade conversations, and Morey's ability to get something closer to the return he's looking for. 

The Simmons Drama is far from over. 

Photo Credit: Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports