Warriors and Timberwolves Listed as Favorites in Ben Simmons’ Next Team Odds After Falling Out With 76ers

• The relationship has broken down between Ben Simmons, Rich Paul and the Philadelphia 76ers
• Simmons is reportedly not going to turn up to training camp and wants a trade away from the organization
• The Golden State Warriors are the early betting favorites to land Simmons; see the odds for all teams below

Since the non-dunk in the playoffs, a Ben Simmons trade has appeared inevitable. The last 24 hours have seen a ramp up in the trade rumors for Simmons, however, following reports that he no longer wants to play for the organization and will refuse to turn up for training camp.

Further reports claim the organization had to choose between Simmons and Joel Embiid, who publicly criticized his fellow star at the end of the season. Embiid has refuted these reports amid a lengthy string of tweets about misreporting in the media.

It has also been reported that there’s a ‘high chance’ Tyrese Maxey will be included in any Simmons trade. Maxey, like Simmons, is a Rich Paul client.

Odds on Team Ben Simmons Play for in 2021-22 NBA Season

Odds as of Sept 1st at BetMGM

Warriors, Wolves Lead the Pack

The Warriors and Timberwolves have long been linked with Simmons. Simmons is close with Minnesota’s key players, and he brings a skillset which the T-Wolves desperately need.

Golden State are primed to trade for a star with Andrew Wiggins’ contract, their own picks and young talent. Both teams have the same issue, though.

Source: There’s a high chance that Tyrese Maxey will be a part of any Ben Simmons trade.

Rich Paul would like both of his clients out of Philadelphia.

— Jason Dumas (@JDumasReports) August 31, 2021

It has been widely reported that Daryl Morey wants an All-Star level player in return. Suggestions of a James Harden level haul might be far-fetched, but Morey’s high asking price has contributed to the Sixers’ championship odds staying put. Philly isn’t going to let Simmons go for nothing.

Wiggins or D’Angelo Russell as the centerpiece is not going to interest Morey. Golden State isn’t parting with Draymond Green, Steph Curry or Klay Thompson. Minnesota isn’t including Anthony Edwards or Karl-Anthony Towns.

Sources “Trust me bro”!! Stop using my name to push people’s agendas. I love and hate drama. I love playing with Ben. Stats don’t lie. He’s an amazing player and we all didn’t get the job done. It’s on me personally. I hope everyone is back cuz we know we’re good enough to win https://t.co/1kq9VI9byE

— Joel Embiid (@JoelEmbiid) September 1, 2021

Both front offices would need to rope in a third team to make a Simmons trade work. The Timberwolves would likely need to part with Russell, who’s a close friend of Towns. Golden State shouldn’t be in a rush to put Green and Simmons the floor together.

Kings Fit Works Out

The Sacramento Kings have a more straight forward path to trading for Simmons. They have salaries which fit nicely into a potential trade, and they have a surplus of backcourt talent, which is exactly what the Sixers will be looking for.

Buddy Hield or Harrison Barnes would make up most of the salary. Philly would be more interested in Hield. Plenty more needs to be included with Hield for such a trade to work out – the Sixers would surely ask for Tyrese Haliburton.

A Simmons for Haliburton and Hield deal makes sense for both parties. Simmons improves the Kings’ league-worst defense, while Philly puts shooting and playmaking next to Joel Embiid.

"I was told Ben Simmons is willing to go play anywhere, for any of the other 29 teams, except for the Philadelphia 76ers." — @Chris_Broussard pic.twitter.com/AuG8PbRNky

— First Things First (@FTFonFS1) September 1, 2021

Morey is probably looking for a bigger return than Haliburton and Hield, though. This sort of trade only comes to fruition if Paul and Simmons really put pressure on the Sixers to make a deal. The Kings are very unlikely to move De’Aaron Fox – Haliburton, Hield and picks is the best Philly can do.

The Big Swings

No executive loves acquiring stars as much as Morey. That’s exactly what he wants to do here.

The Spurs, priced at +800, cannot offer a readymade running mate for Embiid. Toronto is one team who could give the Sixers an All-Star caliber player.

… So who are they trading then? https://t.co/ZmhETlHYFU

— Sam Quinn (@SamQuinnCBS) August 31, 2021

Trading Fred VanVleet seems like a longshot, but Pascal Siakam has been at the center of trade rumors in recent months. He isn’t an ideal fit next to Embiid and Tobias Harris, but Siakam has proven he can play at an All-NBA level, which could tempt Morey.

The Wizards and Blazers loom, too. Until the recent developments, it seemed like the Sixers would hold tight until Bradley Beal or Damian Lillard requested a trade.

Simmons and Paul are trying to force Philadelphia to act sooner. With less than two months until opening night, it seems unlikely Philly can swing a deal for Lillard or Beal, but it would be foolish to write anything off in the NBA. Both the Wizards and Blazers are decent value at those prices.

Of course, Simmons could end up alongside Lillard if the Sixers worked a deal around CJ McCollum, and potentially other pieces.