‘Relationship over’: Simmons trade expected on Friday

Ben Simmons’ ugly break-up has reportedly reached the point of no return and will see him be part of the blockbuster trade deals dropping on Friday.

Ben Simmons is reportedly set to be traded by the 76ers as early as Friday.

The Australian star has been linked with a departure from Philadelphia ever since his capitulation in the Eastern Conference play-offs last month.
The Sixers have been public with their interest in shipping Simmons out of the team with widespread reports the team is actively exploring trades for the All-Star guard.

While Simmons is on the trade table, there have also been reports from ESPN’s senior NBA journalist Adrian Wojnarowski of blockbuster trades dropping across the NBA on Friday, including:

— Russell Westbrook making a bombshell move to the Los Angeles Lakers as part of a deal that will see Kyle Kuzma, Montrezl Harrell, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and a 2021 first-round pick move to Washington; and

— The Cleveland Cavaliers picking up Ricky Rubio, a 2022 second-round pick and a package of cash and salary cap space for Timberwolves star Taurean Prince.

It was obvious the writing was on the wall for a divorce between Simmons and his team two weeks ago with reports the relationship was broken.

Details of the separation emerged Friday with NBA reporter Jason Dumas posting on Twitter the Sixers “hope to trade Simmons tonight”.

“The asking price remains the same. The relationship seems to be over. It’s not a matter of if anymore, but when,” he wrote.

Ben Simmons steps into the unknown.

It came after Wojnarowski first reported Simmons and his management are open to a move to another team.

His report also added weight to reports the Sixers have demanded an absurdly high price in trade negotiations.

The Golden State Warriors, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Toronto Raptors have each reportedly come to the 76ers with trade packages for Simmons.

Reports claims every offer has been knocked back.

The Warriors are reported to have rejected an offer from the Sixers to let Simmons walk in exchange for James Wiseman, Andrew Wiggins, the No. 7 and No. 14 pick in the 2021 NBA Draft and two more future first-round picks.

The Athletic’s Sam Amick reported on Wednesday that the Miami Heat, Washington Wizards and Raptors are the “most likely landing spots” for Simmons.