Ben Simmons Might Stay with the 76ers Without a Damian Lillard Trade

It sounds like the Philadelphia 76ers might be stuck with Ben Simmons for the foreseeable future...unless Damian Lillard decides to depart from Portland.

Bleacher Report's Jake Fischer claims that most people believe Simmons will stay put in Philly for now "barring a change of temperature with Damian Lillard in Portland."

Fischer:

"Each of Minnesota, Golden State, Sacramento and San Antonio has been consistently linked as a top Simmons destination, yet the overwhelming sense among league insiders continues to be that Simmons, for now, is expected to remain a Sixer once training camp opens on September 28—barring a change of temperature with Damian Lillard in Portland."


The 76ers see some worth in Simmons's trade value and don't want to get rid of him unless they can get a "James Harden-like" package for him. Ideally, they want to acquire Damian Lillard in exchange for Ben Simmons. In fact, anything less than Dame would be a "devastating blow" for the team.

However, it is seeming less and less likely that Lillard jets from Portland. Of course, there is always a chance that he will - training camp is just around the corner and it might leave a bad taste in his mouth and cause him to demand a trade. But after a few months of "what ifs" a lot of people believe he will remain with the Trail Blazers - at least for one more season.

And if Lillard stays put, there is a good chance Simmons will too.