Tracking latest trade rumors surrounding Sixers All-Star Ben Simmons this offseason

The Philadelphia 76ers are going to have an interesting offseason after another early exit from the NBA Playoffs. The Sixers entered the postseason as the No. 1 seed in the East and fell to the Atlanta Hawks in the second round in seven games. The spotlight was on Ben Simmons in the fourth quarter of Game 7, where he refused to take jump shots and opted to pass the ball rather than be aggressive. Simmons was viewed as the scapegoat for the Sixers early playoff exit and now trade rumors are swirling early in the offseason.

On Thursday, June 24th, it was reported that the Sixers and Simmons’ camp had begun to talk about his future with the franchise in Chicago during the NBA Draft Combine, per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. Simmons hasn’t formally requested a trade, but Simmons’ agent Rich Paul has met with Sixers’ brass — Elton Brand and Daryl Morey — to talk about Simmons and how he fits into the team’s plans long-term.

Simmons has four years and $147 million left on his contract, which will make things a bit difficult in trade talks. While Simmons is an All-Star in the NBA, his inability to create his own offense has been a crutch for the Sixers, particularly when it comes to playoff time. The thing is Simmons is arguably the best perimeter defender in the NBA and is still a PG mismatch who is only 24 years old.

Update, July 2nd — The Sixers have begun fielding calls on Simmons and a potential trade, but are clear they want an All-Star caliber player in return. Jason Dumas reported that the Sixers turned down a deal with the Indiana Pacers that would include PG Malcolm Brogdon and a first-round pick.

Below you’ll be able to find all the latest rumors, news and reports surrounding the All-Star combo guard during the 2021 offseason and what may happen to him heading into next season.