Sixers Likely to Keep Simmons Until Path to Lillard Opens

The Sixers’ rumored interest in acquiring Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard could have a direct impact on Ben Simmons’ immediate future in Philadelphia. According to Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer, Simmons could remain in Philadelphia as the Sixers wait for a potential shift in Lillard’s standing in Portland.

According to Fischer, the Sixers are holding out for a chance to put together a trade package for Lillard.

Each of Minnesota, Golden State, Sacramento and San Antonio has been consistently linked as a top Simmons destination, yet the overwhelming sense among league insiders continues to be that Simmons, for now, is expected to remain a Sixer once training camp opens on September 28—barring a change of temperature with Damian Lillard in Portland.

Fischer went on to explain that even if the Sixers trade Simmons, it would be for a package of assets that the Blazers might covet if Lillard asks for a trade down the road.

For the Sixers and president Daryl Morey to move Simmons, it will be with an eye toward maximizing the prime of Joel Embiid, who signed a $196 million, 4-year extension Monday night. Therefore trading Simmons now for anything short of a haul that could immediately be flipped for Lillard, in the event he does request a trade, would be a devastating blow for Philadelphia’s front office, and their efforts to pair Embiid with a bonafide superstar.

You can read the complete story from Fischer at Bleacher Report.