Ben Simmons Update: Raptors and Sixers Continue Trade Talks

 

A report this morning has the Toronto Raptors and Philadelphia 76ers still in serious talks over Ben Simmons. Just yesterday, the Raptors reportedly turned down an extremely lopsided offer from the Sixers, but it appears that talks are ongoing. 

Raptors and 76ers have engaged again today in a deal that would send Ben Simmons to the Raptors, per NBA Sources.#WeTheNorth #HereTheyCome #NBA #NBATwitter pic.twitter.com/CgEGyESXuP

— Landon Buford (@LandonBuford) July 28, 2021

According to The Athletic, the Raptors are one of three teams as the most likely landing spots for the beleaguered Sixers guard.

It's increasingly likely that Ben Simmons will be on the move. The top potential landing spots?

◻️ Heat
◻️ Raptors
◻️ Wizards

Source tells @sam_amick: https://t.co/dL5P2H80Z4 pic.twitter.com/1ToLkPlwl6

— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) July 28, 2021

Simmons is heading into the 2nd year of a 5-year contract that pays him, at this point, around $35 Million a season (heading up to $40M). There would have to be contracts of similar value going back to the Sixers, so as far as the core pieces on the Raptors, that could consist of any of these 3 scenarios:

• Kyle Lowry sign-and-trade: approx. $30 Mill
• Pascal Siakam:  $33M in 2021-22
• OG Anunoby + Fred VanVleet: $35M ($16M+$19M respectively)

As we've already outlined, Raptors fans would riot in the streets of Toronto if any TWO of these scenarios were paired together in a trade like this, and that's not even mentioning the No. 4 pick in Thursday's NBA Draft, which the Sixers are likely gunning for as well. 

The Raptors have built a good culture and core in Toronto, it'll be interesting to see how far they'll go in ripping it down to add a proven "star" player. 

Photo Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports