CoolBreeze44 wrote:I think Morey is willing to go right up until opening night to make a move. Maybe inside the season. Lots can happen in training camp and the preseason games to bring other teams into the fray. I think you are underestimating the market for Simmons. Suppose the Wolves make a deal, how cheaply do you think we can get him?
Respectfully, as I'm not intending to be snarky, but what makes you think the market for Ben Simmons is high by any means? All reporting indicates that Simmons was made available as early as draft night and Daryl Morey requested a king's ransom and fell flat on his face in doing so.
We have credible reports that state Golden State isn't interested in parting with their young assets for Simmons and would only consider making a deal for him if it was a bargain. This adds up with the reports that some front office executives for the Warriors don't see Simmons pairing well with Draymond Green. There have also been rumors that they are more interested in targeting Bradley Beal.
We have credible reports that indicate Sacramento is unwilling to part with De'Aaron Fox and Tyrese Haliburton, and the source notes that will not change. Their best offer is stated to be Buddy Hield, Marvin Bagley, and draft picks. Things can always evolve, but that appears to be a dead end unless Philadelphia is in love with Hield's talent.
We have reports from Matt Moore that Toronto denied a package of Fred VanVleet, OG Anunoby, and the No. 4 pick that became Scottie Barnes around the draft. How much has Toronto budged? Are they going to include Anunoby at all? Well, we have more reporting that indicates Toronto hasn't been in communication with Philadelphia in weeks. That can change, of course, but that doesn't scream like strong interest to me.
On top of that, Simmons has requested a trade and will not report to training camp. He reportedly wants out and the situation in Philadelphia is not salvageable. Simmons told team co-managing partner Josh Harris, Daryl Morey, Elton Brand, and Doc Rivers that he no longer wants to remain a Sixer. That definitely lowers Philadelphia's leverage in negotiations as unhappy players that request out almost always get their way.
All of this collectively tells me that Simmons will be traded for much less than what he would normally go for. For Minnesota, that means that they should not have to empty the cupboard to acquire him as there aren't any offers currently that are blowing Philadelphia away. Morey can pray and hope that Portland re-enters the picture, but Damian Lillard is not going to be moved at this time and that was essentially confirmed by their acquisition of Larry Nance Jr.
I've listed the possible trade packages that I think Minnesota is offering or eventually will offer. Essentially, the meat of the offer is draft capital. I will repost them in the following comment. These offers do not account for a third team entering the picture, but rather the assets that the Wolves would be sending out.
