Ben Simmons has reportedly cut off all communication with the 76ers organization and is hoping to land with the Warriors.
Out-of-favor 76ers guard Ben Simmons posted a cryptic message on Instagram on Monday, suggesting his time in Philadelphia may be up.
Now, it seems he’s doing more than just using social media in his bid to find a new home.
Simmons has “cut off communication with basically everyone in the Sixers organization,” according to Jason Dumas of Bleacher Report. He’s running everything through his agent.
“Ben is open to going to the GSWs though he doesn’t have much leverage in the situation,” Dumas continued.
Ben Simmons is done with the 76ers and wants the Warriors
Leverage on Simmon’s side may not matter. The Warriors and 76ers are holding trade talks, according to Brandon Robinson of Bally Sports, with Philadelphia “extremely motivated” to work out a deal.
The issue for Simmons is the gap between his current value and the 76ers asking price.
Simmons is on the trade block because of his lackluster performance when Philadelphia’s season was on the line. While it’s been clear he’s not a shooter, his unwillingness to put up shots in the playoffs was a clear source of frustration.
The 24-year-old had career lows in field goal attempts and points per game in 2020-21. In the playoffs, he averaged 11.9 points per game, with his confidence obviously failing.
As a facilitator and defender, Simmons is still an outstanding player. He averaged 7.2 rebounds, 6.9 assists and 1.6 steals in 2020-21 while garnering his third All-Star nod and second All-Defensive Team honor.
The Warriors could rehabilitate Simmons and greatly improve their hopes of contending for more titles with Steph Curry and Klay Thompson. However, they’d have to give up quite a bit to meet Philadelphia’s desired return. James Wiseman, Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody and draft picks could be on the table.