NBA Trade Talk Heating Up Around Simmons and Sexton

As the 2021 NBA Draft inches closer, NBA offseason trade talk is entering a more pivotal stage, especially for the Philadelphia 76ers — a team the Portland Trail Blazers have been repeatedly linked to in media speculation as an ideal trade partner. According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the 76ers have started engaging in trade conversations with other teams surrounding forward Ben Simmons.

Despite a troubling second round playoff exit for the 76ers this season, in which Simmons’ play was heavily scrutinized, Charania reported the team still expects a hefty price tag in return for Simmons.

“(The 76ers) want an All-Star-caliber player in return,” one source with knowledge of the ongoing talks said.

Simmons, a three-time NBA All-Star, turns only 25 later this month. While Charania didn’t name any teams specifically who have engaged with the Sixers, he reported interest in Simmons across the league is high.

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.

In other NBA news, Charania reported that the New York Knicks have emerged as the “most aggressive trade suitor” for Cleveland Cavaliers guard Collin Sexton. While Dallas, Miami, San Antonio, and Minnesota are all expected to show interest in Atlanta Hawks forward John Collins, who is a restricted free agent this summer.

You can read the full piece from Charania here.