Ben Simmons Trade: Philadelphia 76ers likely to wait until Dec. 15 before he leaves, check out why- Ben Simmons has been in the headlines for all the wrong reasons. From holding out of training camp to refusing to participate in drills, 76ers guard Ben Simmons has made his plans of getting out of Philadelphia sufficiently transparent. The former No. 1 pick took another step in his coveted Philadelphia exit on Wednesday as he listed his New Jersey mansion on various public real estate websites.
Today was Ben Simmons’ second practice back with his #Sixers teammates. The team says he will speak with the media tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/cC6nALtEry
— Dave Uram (@MrUram) October 18, 2021
On Thursday, basketball executive Daryl Morey exhibited in an interview that this drama could drag out for the continuance of Simmons’ four-year contract.
Fortunately for Simmons, Marc Stein is reporting a much closer date to watch on the trade front. League sources told Stein that Morey is expected to wait until Dec. 15 “before he pursues a deal with greater intent.” This is because a significant percentage of NBA players that are not currently qualified to be traded right now will become tradable at that point.
Ben Simmons Trade: Philadelphia 76ers likely to wait until Dec. 15 before heightening pursuit of deal
Whenever a free agent signs a new contract in the offseason, he is eligible to be traded on either Dec. 15 or 3 months after signing, whichever comes later.
That is really significant to Philadelphia for a few reasons. They might be interested in players that signed new contracts last offseason, but even if they are not, Simmons is making $33 million this season. Matching payroll on a contract of that capacity would be challenging for many teams and waiting until Dec. 15 would allow them to use 2021 free-agent signings in the deal for cap reasons.
The 3x All-Star had a poor season with the Philadelphia 76ers and has done everything in his power to get a trade. However, Simmons is still a good player, having won the 2017-18 Rookie of the Year, being included in 2x NBA All-Defensive team and becoming the 2019-20 steal champion.
Ben Simmons Trade: Philadelphia 76ers likely to wait until Dec. 15 before he leaves, check out why
Unsettled Ben Simmons lists the New Jersey mansion for sale for $5M after 76ers suspension. 121
