NBA Rumor: Ben Simmons to Warriors?
11 rumors in this storyline
More Rumors in this Storyline
League sources believe the Sixers will have a tough time getting what they perceive as fair market value under the circumstances. “Think about three months ago when the Sixers are willing to give up Ben Simmons. You are like, ‘Let’s see what we have to do to get him,’” said a Western Conference executive, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. “Now, the difference is Ben Simmons says he refuses to play for the Sixers. He wants to go to three California teams. There’s so much bad blood between him and the team.”
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. That appears to be the ever-important undercurrent to what has been routinely described as a “James Harden-like” package Philadelphia is seeking for any Simmons return.
Toronto, though, was never going to entertain a framework of acquiring Simmons for OG Anunoby, Fred VanVleet and the No. 4 pick, which Philadelphia pitched the weekend before July’s NBA draft. And rumors that a three-team swap between Philadelphia, Golden State and Portland was gaining legitimate traction were categorically denied by Warriors and Blazers personnel. Golden State brass are considered to be quite high on the team’s recent lottery picks Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody.
Sixers request astronomical haul from Warriors for Ben Simmons
The Golden State Warriors basically assumed the 76ers’ offer as a joke. The Sixers asked for Andrew Wiggins, James Wiseman, the Nos. 7 and 14 picks in tonight’s NBA draft along with two future first-rounders in exchange for Ben Simmons, according to multiple sources. The Warriors quickly turned down the offer.
Adam Aaronson: Woj says one player makes most sense for the Warriors in a trade: Bradley Beal. “Beal is not yet — and may not be — available.” “I don’t sense that Golden State is interested in the Ben Simmons talks.”
Warriors unlikely to trade for Ben Simmons
After multiple reports suggested Lillard could ask out of Portland, he clarified last week that such rumblings were inaccurate. Simmons, currently the only All-Star known to be shopped by his team, is also unlikely to land with the Warriors. The 76ers are asking for a massive haul that includes an All-Star-level player. Per a league source, Golden State wouldn’t be willing to give up what it would take to get Simmons.
Stephen A. Smith: Ben Simmons could end up with the Warriors
The Ben Simmons rumor mill continues to churn, and the latest potential suitor is a name you should expect to hear a ton up until draft night in late July: the Golden State Warriors. That’s the word from ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, who has been a source of a lot of Simmons gossip this past week. On Friday’s edition of First Take, here’s what Smith had to say about the meeting between Simmons’ representation and Philly’s front office, in addition to potential interest on the Warriors’ end.
Stephen A. Smith: Here’s the reality — as it was reported, Rich Paul talked to the Philadelphia 76ers, and obviously, he’s Ben Simmons’ agent, so you’re going to want some involvement. Didn’t ask for a trade, but certainly if Ben Simmons were to be traded, he wants some say in where he goes. That’s what the reality is. And in the end, Philadelphia is trying to claim that Philadelphia is not interested in moving Ben Simmons.
Stephen A. Smith: Let me tell y’all something, that’s a damn lie. That’s a damn lie. It’s just that they’re not interested in getting trash back for him. You make a solid, bonafide offer, the Philadelphia 76ers are going to consider it. I believe the Golden State Warriors are going to make a push for Ben Simmons, so keep your ears tuned, stay tuned. It’s possible Ben Simmons could end up in Golden State.
March 21, 2023 | 1:48 pm EDT Update
Spencer Dinwiddie: We look forward to dunking on Jarrett Allen
Barbara Barker: “We look forward to dunking on Jarrett Allen,” says Spencer Dinwiddie of his former teammate whom he expects to play tonight when Nets host Cleveland.
Ira Winderman: Orlando Robinson has re-joined the Heat, and is at practice today.
Dejounte Murray won't play against Pistons due to illness
Kevin Chouinard: For tonight’s game vs. Detroit: Jalen Johnson (mild left hamstring strain; mild left groin strain) is out. Dejounte Murray (non-COVID illness) is out.
March 21, 2023 | 12:41 pm EDT Update
Keldon Johnson won't play against Pelicans
San Antonio: Keldon Johnson (neck sprain) has been downgraded to out for Tuesday’s game against New Orleans. Tre Jones (right hamstring contusion) and Doug McDermott (right hip contusion) are available.
Jonathan Feigen: Rockets assign TyTy Washington to the RGV Vipers in the G League. He did not play during last week’s assignment because of migraines and was a DNP vs. Warriors last night. He is, however, loading up on frequent flier miles.
Michael Grange: Scottie Barnes (wrist) did not practice for Raptors today. No word (yet) on status vs. Pacers on Wednesday.
Josh Lewenberg: Nurse said that the MRI on Barnes’ injured wrist came back clean but it’s still sore. He’ll have some more testing done today. For now, he’s day-to-day. Likely questionable vs Indy tomorrow.
