The saga between the Philadelphia 76ers and Ben Simmons continues to drag on, and if recent reports are to be believed, it may not have an end any time soon.
According to Sam Amick of The Atheltic, the 76ers have a list of around 30 players they would be willing to trade for Simmons.
“Here’s the part that may come as a surprise: A source with knowledge of the list said there are approximately 30 players who would satisfy the Sixers in a Simmons swap, and there’s an internal belief that a fair amount of them — let’s say five to 10 — could become available in the next year or two,” Amick wrote.
Amick also goes on to report that his sources within the 76ers believe “this is like a multi-year thing.”
Simmons has yet to play for the 76ers this year, citing mental health struggles as the reason for his absence. Simmons has also made it clear to Philadelphia that he wants to be traded out of the organization. However, Ammick wrote that when Simmons met with Sixers personnel in LA with his agent, Rich Paul, mental health was reportedly not the motive behind his dissatisfaction.
“This is no longer about a trade,” Paul said. “This is about finding a place where we can help Ben get back to his mental strength and get back on the floor. I want him on the floor playing the game that he loves. I want Ben on the floor, whether that’s in a 76ers uniform or any other uniform. That’s not up to me, but I want him in a state where he can resume play. We want to cooperate and want to work him back on the floor.
Without Simmons, the 76ers have gotten off to a mediocre start to the year, holding a record of 8-7 and sitting seventh in the Eastern Conference. The 76ers return to action Saturday opposite the Trail Blazers (8-8).
