Ben Simmons has started a new chapter since Philadelphia blocked 25% of his annual salary, and six teams are still on the move to recruit him. Ben Simmons has yet to appear at the Sixers camp, and executives have already sanctioned him by withholding $ 8.25 million from his salary, or 25% of his annual salary. The player's side expected it, but the player wouldn't make it all about the money, ready to continue the tug-of-war with his franchise. The divorce is consummated, and recent statements by Joel Embiid suggest that the point of no return has been reached. The problem is, Philly isn't necessarily in a rush to get rid of it, preferring to study as many bids as possible before eventually giving in. Thus, the Philadelphia Inquirer reports that six teams would continue to inquire. These are the Timberwolves, Pacers, Cavaliers, Pistons, Raptors and Spurs.
For the first three franchises, no surprises. Minnesota has been interested for a long time, but has no plans to let go of any of its star players (Towns, Edwards or Russell).
In Indianapolis, we have an interesting offer centered around Malcolm Brogdon, but there is no young star in the "package".
Finally, on the Cleveland side, we imagine that we want to take the opportunity to get rid of Kevin Love's contract, and it is not necessarily a gift.
An exchange in triangle refused The new thing is Detroit and one wonders what the leaders plan to offer since Cade Cunningham and Jerami Grant seem untouchable. The Pistons have mostly young players, and we don't see what could appeal to Philadelphia.
In San Antonio, you can come up with an interesting 'package' but then again there is no player of the caliber of Ben Simmons.
Finally, the Raptors have been on the spot for several weeks, but if the discussions have not succeeded, it is perhaps because they do not want to let go of Fred VanVleet and Pascal Siakam, a duo that would do the Sixers good.
According to the daily, Rich Paul had mounted a triangle trade that allowed the Sixers to recover five players, but the leaders ultimately refused. The reason, according to the Inquirer? Daryl Morey wants to come out a winner in the short term, and doesn't want to emulate the Rockets with James Harden or the Pelicans with Anthony Davis. So no question of selling Ben Simmons, and simply doing him a favor.
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