Ben Simmons has made it abundantly clear over the past few weeks that he has no interest in playing for the Philadelphia 76ers anymore. Moreover, he is so dead set on getting traded that he is prepared to go to extreme lengths to ensure a deal gets done.
Five teams have been linked to a potential Simmons swap in recent weeks. Of that group two have made proposals that were swiftly rejected by 76ers brass, and one continues to be viewed as the presumptive favorite to eventually get something done.
That one team? The Golden State Warriors.
Unfortunately, it sounds like conversations between Golden State and Philly are not heading in the right direction.
According to Anthony Slater of The Athletic, the Warriors were so put off by the Sixers’ most recent trade offer that they straight hung up the phone.
“The Warriors were among the teams Daryl Morey called during his initial round of over-the-top inquiries,” he wrote. “That came before the draft. As has been reported, he asked for a package of Andrew Wiggins, James Wiseman, the seventh and 14th picks and two future first-rounders. There was never bargaining. There was only a decline and a hang up.”
The Warriors appear to be very divided on Simmons. Some in the organization believe he could be a good fit; others do not.
Pray for LaMelo. https://t.co/19CUdeNwCM
— Game 7 (@game7__) September 1, 2021
The Sixers, meanwhile, seem to be holding out for one specific trade that they hope falls into their laps. They have made their asking price known, and they’re not budging off it. And until that price is met, the sense of urgency to get something done doesn’t appear to be there — in spite of Simmons’ threats.
How will this saga ultimately unfold when it’s all said and done? Time will tell.
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A graduate from the University of Texas, Anthony Amador has been credentialed to cover the Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks and high school games all over the Lone Star State. Currently, his primary beats are the NBA, MLB, NFL and UFC.
