- Jun 24, 2013
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Sixers opening up Ben Simmons trade talks, Knicks interested in Collin Sexton, plus more NBA news
With the 2021 NBA Draft less than three weeks away and free agency shortly thereafter, teams are beginning to discuss their offseason plans both internally and externally with colleagues. The discussions have consisted of draft prep during the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago, plus more roster-building discussions around individual team workouts in home markets, conversations between front-office and roster personnel, discussions with rival teams about trade scenarios and more.
Things are starting to pick up, especially around the 76ers.
After a disappointing defeat in the second round of the playoffs to Atlanta, the 76ers and president of basketball operations Daryl Morey has been surveying the landscape for ways to improve their roster. Philadelphia lost to the Hawks in seven games in the Eastern Conference semifinals, culminating in coach Doc Rivers and MVP runner-up Joel Embiid singling out Ben Simmons’ play.
The mandate was for Simmons and Embiid to coexist on the court this past season under their new head coach and regime and to make a deep playoff run. Neither was accomplished. By all accounts, Embiid and Simmons have never been closer — off the court. But from Simmons’ inclusion in trade packages for James Harden with the Houston Rockets during the season to critical comments made about him from key 76ers people after Game 7, the writing is on the wall for Simmons and his future with the franchise.
The 76ers have opened up trade conversations surrounding Simmons and have engaged with teams, sources told The Athletic. Those sources also say that teams that have engaged with the 76ers about Simmons have been met with a high price threshold for the three-time All-Star.
“(The 76ers) want an All-Star-caliber player in return,” one source with knowledge of the ongoing talks said.
Make no mistake: Interest across the league in Simmons remains robust. He’s turning just 25 this month, was an All-NBA team member in 2019-20, is a two-time All-Defensive first-team member and a Rookie of the Year award winner. Simmons is under contract through 2025, making him the type of superstar talent that rarely becomes available at an attainable price at this juncture of his career.
Simmons decided to skip the Tokyo Olympics this summer with the Australian national team to spend time on his individual game. For Simmons, this is the crossroads of his career. So far, there appears to be renewed determination within him about bettering his game, even if he could be playing elsewhere soon.
More news and notes from around the NBA
Atlanta Hawks
Across the league, many believe Hawks forward/center John Collins increased his value as a maximum contract-caliber player during Atlanta’s run to the Eastern Conference finals. In 18 postseason games, Collins averaged 13.9 points, 8.7 rebounds and 35.7 percent 3-point shooting.
Dallas, Miami, San Antonio and Minnesota are among the teams expected to show interest in Collins, believing he could be attainable as a restricted free agent, sources said. Hawks owner Tony Ressler said after the season that he hoped the team reached a “fair agreement” with Collins. Will the sides find that threshold?
Cleveland Cavaliers
The Knicks are the most aggressive trade suitor for Cavaliers guard Collin Sexton, sources said. Sexton is eligible for his rookie extension this offseason, and with one year left on his deal, it allows Cleveland to continue to be patient in constructing the roster.
Houston Rockets
The Rockets have been aggressive in their pursuit of Detroit’s No. 1 pick in the 2021 NBA Draft and have also discussed guard Eric Gordon in trade scenarios, sources said.
New Orleans Pelicans
New head coach: The Pelicans are planning to hire Suns assistant Willie Green as their new head coach, sources said. New Orleans and Green, who is still coaching in the NBA Finals, are working through the final stages of the process, sources said. Green, 39, played 12 NBA seasons and has developed a strong reputation as an assistant in five seasons with the Suns and Warriors, including being part of Golden State’s championships in 2017 and 2018.
Lonzo Ball update: New Orleans is unlikely to match a significant offer sheet on Ball, sources said. Ball, 23, is among the top point guards on the free-agent market. The Bulls and Clippers are expected to be among the teams interested in him, according to sources. Ball averaged career-highs in points (14.6) and 3-point shooting (37.this past season.
NBA Draft: Villanova forward Jeremiah Robinson-Earl has impressed teams, including New Orleans, as he continues to solidify a potential first-round position.
Utah Jazz
G League Ignite Draft Prospect Isaiah Todd is canceling workouts with teams owning late first-round picks — such as the Jazz — because he has focused on visits with teams with lottery picks, sources said.
In other words, -name redacted- has actual value and Dame will be a Sixer while being best buddies with Maltese
