NBA Rumors: Portland Could Be Close To Sealing Deal With Sixers For Simmons

The Philadelphia 76ers may have a deal in place for Ben Simmons although nothing is set in stone.

According to Stephen A. Smith when he appeared on ESPN’s First Take, the Trail Blazers are allegedly discussing a deal with the Sixers involving CJ McCollum, Robert Covington plus some picks for Ben Simmons.

It remains to be seen if this would be enough to convince the 76ers to agree to a deal. Simmons made it clear that he has no intention of being at Sixers training camp next week. Further, he has no plans of suiting up for Philadelphia at all anymore.

Given that scenario, Daryl Morey may want to seriously consider the Trail Blazers offer for the 2018 NBA Rookie of the Year. Several teams have been mentioned in the past months such as the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Golden State Warriors. But the problem there is that most are wary of the remaining $147 million owed to the former top pick.

Although it has been reported the Simmons is pretty unhappy with Doc Rivers, the Sixers coach says he hopes the 25-year-old changes his mind.

Rivers as well as Joel Embiid made some remarks that did not sit well with Simmons, mostly stemming from their game 7 loss to the Atlanta Hawks in the Eastern Conference semifinals.

McCollum and a possibly returning Covington could make sense for the Sixers, especially considering they need added firepower from the outside.

McCollum may not be at that superstar level yet but a change of scenery could be the key towards attaining that.

As for Simmons, moving to Portland makes sense. Partnering with Damian Lillard could prove to be better with the Trail Blazers getting a player who can orchestrate and take it strong to the basket.

Nothing is definite for now. But with most teams preparing for training camp, Philly may want to seriously look into this possibility and completely focus on the 2021-22 NBA season.