After talking to some folks over the weekend, it seems the Houston Rockets are seriously interested in acquiring 76ers forward Ben Simmons prior to the start of training camp.
Things remain fluid but John Wall would be headed to Philadelphia in a possible trade, per sources.
— Evan Dammarell (@AmNotEvan) September 20, 2021
There was some discussion last week of a possible Wall-Simmons swap with Houston, but those talks took another big step this morning as new reports say the Rockets continue to build interest in acquiring the disgruntled superstar.
Other reports from the weekend stated that:
#NBA source: The #Sixers 'are expecting (Ben Simmons) to play (in 2020-21). The expectation is they will. It's bumpy right now (& the team expects it) to get better.' The #76ers don't plan on making a deal that would drop them back in standings & not getting viable offers. pic.twitter.com/QUMmzkKbKF
— Tom Moore (@TomMoorePhilly) September 15, 2021
Does acquiring John Wall make the Sixers a better team? Yes. Much better. But here’s why it won’t work:
Ben Simmons is making $33.0M this year.
John Wall is making $44.3M.
The Sixers would need to send out extra salary *just* to acquire Wall, much less anything else.
Nope.
— Bryan Toporek (@btoporek) September 20, 2021
To work out a trade that doesn’t require the Sixers to pay a premium for a less-talented, more costly player, Morey and co. would need to work some SERIOUS wizardry. Third team? Add in Tobi and shed salary to make another move? Who knows.
More to come on the newest team to have a sincere interest in Simmons.
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