Time is running out for the Philadelphia 76ers to pull the trigger on a Ben Simmons trade this season.
The discontent All-Star wants to be shipped out of town and Sixers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey is more than willing to comply. The problem is that he’s been unable to find a suitable trade partner that would provide the expansive return that he’s looking for.
With only a week left before the NBA’s Feb. 10 trade deadline, the Sixers either have to deal Simmons now or continue fining him for his refusal to join the team — a number that has already soared over $19 million.
Enter the prospect of acquiring All-Star guard Bradley Beal from the Washington Wizards; either over the next week, but more likely during the offseason.
According to The Athletic’s David Aldridge and Josh Robbins, the 28-year-old is “conflicted” about his future with the organization. While he’s making north of $33 million this season, there is a player option in his contract that would pay him $36.4 million next year. Of course, that all depends on whether or not he’d want to stay with the team.
The Wizards have been one of the worst teams in basketball after starting 10-3 this season. Over their last 37 games, they’re 13-24 — good for 12th in the Eastern Conference.
Beal has experienced a regression of his own this season. After averaging 30.9 points per game over the previous two years, the Florida product is posting 23.1 points per game in 2021-22.
Still, Morey and the 76ers would be willing to trade Simmons in a deal that involves Beal, per Aldridge and Robbins, even if Wizards owner Ted Leonsis has no interest in trading him.
Despite bringing back a well-rounded offensive threat, Morey and the 76ers apparently won’t do much more to sweeten the pot for a deal that would get the offensively-challenged Simmons out of the way. The Sixers have no interest in trading Matisse Thybulle and Tyrese Maxey in a potential deal for Beal.
Per multiple reports last week, the 76ers seem more inclined to wait until the offseason to trade Simmons where it is believed that more top-tier players will be available to ensure they get the best return possible for the three-time All-Star.
Regardless, Beal becomes an immediate name to watch for a Sixers team that will be looking to get an explosive talent to captain the offense and further maximize Joel Embiid’s game.
