The Indiana Pacers reportedly are still in the hunt to acquire Ben Simmons from the 76ers, this time they’ve offered Caris LeVert for the disgruntled 76ers star.
The longer Ben Simmons remains on the Philadelphia 76ers roster, the more teams are presumably added to the mix as a potential trade partner. Through these rumors, however, a sneaky mainstay in conversations about a potential destination has been the Indiana Pacers.
A report from SNY’s Ian Begley says that discussion between the 76ers and Pacers for a Simmons trade recently resumed with Indiana guard Caris LeVert as the centerpiece for Indiana’s package.
While conversations don’t seem to have advanced past the initial contract discussions, the trade could be enticing for both parties.
NBA rumors: Pacers in on Ben Simmons
The Pacers are a middle-of-the-pack team that is in need of adequate star power to help become legitimate playoff contenders while the 76ers are contenders in need of talent to replace their disgruntled star. Simmons could be that floor-raiser for Indiana and LeVert could be a great complimentary piece to Philadelphia’s star big man, Joel Embiid.
These aren’t the first reported trade talks centered around Simmons that the two teams have had. In July, Bleacher Report’s Jason Dumas said that the 76ers rejected an offer from Indiana that included point guard Malcolm Brogdon and a first-round pick. The 76ers presumably weren’t satisfied with the offer.
While there is no telling when there will be a resolution to the Simmons’ debacle, one thing is for certain, the Pacers are interested and are willing to give up one of their core pieces for the 2021 Defensive Player of the Year runner-up.
If LeVert is indeed packaged to the 76ers, Philadelphia would be getting a lengthy combo guard with proven scoring and playmaking ability — he averaged 20 points and about five rebounds and assists in 2020-21. And at 6-6, he has the length to be a plus defender.