RealGM

The Philadelphia 76ers have maintained their patience in trading Ben Simmons with the expectation that a true star who is not currently available would eventually become available.

While Damian Lillard has continued to pledge his fidelity to the Portland Trail Blazers, Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report writes that "the Sixers and other teams around the league remain optimistic he could eventually request a trade prior to the 2022-23 season."

The Blazers are heading into an uncertain period following the firing of Neil Olshey and their status as non-contenders in the Western Conference. 

Via Jake Fischer/Bleacher Report

RealGM Wiretap wrote:76ers... 'Optimistic' Damian Lillard Could Request Trade By 2022 Offseason

Are the 76ers trading Embiid? How else would Lillard's availability impact them? I believe PHI only has two 1sts they can trade over the next 6 years. Two late 1st and Simmons won't get it done for Lillard. POR will get at least 15 better offers when Lillard becomes available.

Pickled Prunes wrote:

RealGM Wiretap wrote:76ers... 'Optimistic' Damian Lillard Could Request Trade By 2022 Offseason

Are the 76ers trading Embiid? How else would Lillard's availability impact them? I believe PHI only has two 1sts they can trade over the next 6 years. Two late 1st and Simmons won't get it done for Lillard. POR will get at least 15 better offers when Lillard becomes available.

Simmons, Maxey, thybulle, and 1sts plus swaps—for a team that might not be great in 3-4 years—is a very competitive offer. You can be very low on Simmons and still see that as one of the better possible options likely to be available.

HotelVitale wrote:

Pickled Prunes wrote:

RealGM Wiretap wrote:76ers... 'Optimistic' Damian Lillard Could Request Trade By 2022 Offseason

Are the 76ers trading Embiid? How else would Lillard's availability impact them? I believe PHI only has two 1sts they can trade over the next 6 years. Two late 1st and Simmons won't get it done for Lillard. POR will get at least 15 better offers when Lillard becomes available.

Simmons, Maxey, thybulle, and 1sts plus swaps—for a team that might not be great in 3-4 years—is a very competitive offer. You can be very low on Simmons and still see that as one of the better possible options likely to be available.

Well, PHI is operating like Simmons is worth a Lillard swap straight up. There is no way I see them sending all that back in a deal. But sure... if POR's idea is to flip Simmons for assets that could work. I just don't see the practicality. POR needs to rebuild. Simmons is a nice piece but he is overpaid and his limitations are really limitations on how a team would need to construct a team around him. It would be easier to rebuild from scratch. Any team that tries to build around Simmons will fail dramatically. That said, I do believe he could be added to the right team to push them over the top. Hopefully he goes to a team that is ready to contend with him in the near future.

Pickled Prunes wrote:

HotelVitale wrote:

Pickled Prunes wrote:Are the 76ers trading Embiid? How else would Lillard's availability impact them? I believe PHI only has two 1sts they can trade over the next 6 years. Two late 1st and Simmons won't get it done for Lillard. POR will get at least 15 better offers when Lillard becomes available.

Simmons, Maxey, thybulle, and 1sts plus swaps—for a team that might not be great in 3-4 years—is a very competitive offer. You can be very low on Simmons and still see that as one of the better possible options likely to be available.

Well, PHI is operating like Simmons is worth a Lillard swap straight up.

No, Philadelphia has never acted like that and Simmons+picks/young guys has been repeatedly stated as their strategy, directly by Morey and also through the press. I know people keep saying 'Morey's a delusional idiot!' because it's fun or something to pretend that, but it's never been what he's up to or an accurate take on the Sixers' strategy.

HotelVitale wrote:Morey's a delusional idiot!

If you are going to quote me, please quote the full context.

HotelVitale wrote:

Pickled Prunes wrote:

HotelVitale wrote: Simmons, Maxey, thybulle, and 1sts plus swaps—for a team that might not be great in 3-4 years—is a very competitive offer. You can be very low on Simmons and still see that as one of the better possible options likely to be available.

Well, PHI is operating like Simmons is worth a Lillard swap straight up.

No, Philadelphia has never acted like that and Simmons+picks/young guys has been repeatedly stated as their strategy, directly by Morey and also through the press. I know people keep saying 'Morey's a delusional idiot!' because it's fun or something to pretend that, but it's never been what he's up to or an accurate take on the Sixers' strategy.

That is the opposite of everything I have heard, which is: They are looking for a star, young talent and picks in exchange for Simmons. I don't even think that would be delusional if it's something like Fox, Bagley and a lottery protected first. Sounds realistic to me.

Clearly I don't hear everything. It's also clear that Morey is overvaluing Simmons. I'm not saying that he's delusional for doing so or even that it's the wrong move. I could turn out to be a good play. We will see.

I honestly hope they trade him before he needs to ask. Save him the fan reaction.