The rolling Ben Simmons trade saga could reach crescendo by the end of the week according to reports out of the US with the Houston Rockets “seriously interested” in acquiring the Australian before the start of training camp.
NBA teams are scheduled to begin training camp at the start of next week, ahead of the new season which gets underway October 10 (AEST).
While the 76ers are pushing the public line that they’re optimistic that Simmons will eventually show up, even though his management has made it clear to Philadelphia that he will not be attending the team’s camp as he looks to push through a trade, there are reports a deal with the Rockets is close.
When it emerged last week that John Wall could be on his way out of Houston, NBA insiders suspected the move could have something to do with a play for the Australian.
NBA journalist Evan Dammarell revealed that Houston was planning to have its squad finalised by the start of training 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.
“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 $44.3m (USD) per season, compared to Simmons at $31.5 million. That’s a difference of $12.8 million. Sixers teammates Danny Green and Matisse Thybulle make a combined $12.8 million, but both both players are deemed important pieces for the Sixers.
Another reason why this trade might be difficult to pass is because of John Wall’s current value. It has been suggested that the only way Wall can be traded is if the Rockets send draft capital along with him. The SIxers have been adamant during trade negotiations they are in a win-now phase and future picks aren’t desirable.
Also the Rockets could have landed Simmons for Harden plus picks last season and instead opted for the Nets’ massive draft haul.
If this one came to fruition then it would be one of the strangest trades in recent history but considering the situation and how keen Simmons is to leave, anything can happen.
For a daily dose of the best of the breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here!