As rumors continue to circulate regarding Ben Simmons’ status with the Philadelphia 76ers, Philadelphia Inquirer’s Keith Pompey reports that six NBA teams are monitoring the situation and have inquired about “Simmons availability.”
A league source said the Timberwolves, Pacers, Cavaliers, Pistons, Raptors and Spurs are still inquiring about Ben Simmons’ availability.
— Keith Pompey (@PompeyOnSixers) October 2, 2021
Simmons vs. Sixers: An inside look at a messy NBA divorce https://t.co/pF1YNcWHBK via @phillyinquirer
The Minnesota Timberwolves, who are reportedly unwilling to give up Karl Anthony-Towns or Anthony Edwards in any deal for Simmons, as well as Indiana Pacers, Cleveland Cavaliers, Detroit Pistons, Toronto Raptors and the San Antonio Spurs have all reached out to the Sixers in hopes for a potential deal. There were earlier rumors about a deal with Golden State but Warriors owner Joe Lacob questioned Simmons’ fit on the team.
The next chapter of this ongoing story comes Monday, when the 76ers open up their preseason with a matchup against the Raptors. The team already has held $8.25 million of Simmons’ salary on October 1st. If Simmons misses Monday’s game, he faces a fine of roughly $227,000 and will continue for every game he is not present going forward.
Simmons averaged 14.3 points, 7.2 rebounds and 6.9 assists per game for the Sixers last year. His second place finish in the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year voting showcased the two way talents that helped him make his third-straight All-Star appearance.
