Ben Simmons trade: Houston Rockets show interest in Philadelphia 76ers star
The Ben Simmons trade saga has taken an unexpected twist with one of Philadelphia’s NBA rivals emerging as a leading suitor in a blockbuster move.
The Ben Simmons trade saga has taken another turn after reports emerged that the Houston Rockets are “seriously interested” in acquiring the Australian before the start of training camp.
NBA teams are scheduled to begin their training camps at the start of next week ahead of the new season beginning a few weeks after that.
Simmons’ management has apparently made it clear to Philadelphia that he will not be attending the team’s camp as he looks to push through a trade after being made public enemy number one following the Sixers’ dismal playoffs run at the end of last season.
According to the New York Times’ Marc Stein, that remains the case.
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The Sixers were also keen to trade him but put a king’s ransom on Simmons, putting off any and all potential interest and leaving them to deal with the prospect of trying to reintegrate him into the squad.
However, reports emerged last week that John Wall could be on his way out of Houston and now Simmons is wanted to replace him.
NBA journalist Evan Dammarell revealed that Houston was planning to have its squad settled in time for camp, meaning that any trade for Simmons, with Wall going the other way, would need to happen in the next week.
“After talking to some folks over the weekend, it seems the Houston Rockets are seriously interested in acquiring 76ers forward Ben Simmons prior to the start of training camp,” he tweeted.
After talking to some folks over the weekend, it seems the Houston Rockets are seriously interested in acquiring 76ers forward Ben Simmons prior to the start of training camp.
— Evan Dammarell (@AmNotEvan) September 20, 2021
Things remain fluid but John Wall would be headed to Philadelphia in a possible trade, per sources.
“Things remain fluid but John Wall would be headed to Philadelphia in a possible trade, per sources.”
However, the trade doesn’t match up given Wall makes more than $44m (USD) per season, meaning the Sixers would also need to throw in a player such as Simmons’ fellow Aussie Matisse Thybulle to make the math work, according to reports.
Originally published as Ben Simmons trade: Houston Rockets show interest in Philadelphia 76ers star
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