It has become clear by now that the relationship between Ben Simmons and the Philadelphia 76ers is beyond repair. He needs a fresh start elsewhere.
Where Simmons winds up remains to be seen. A recent report indicated the lefthanded playmaker wants to go out West, to the Clippers, Lakers, Kings or Warriors.
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, there is at least one Eastern Conference team that has its eye on Simmons: the Cleveland Cavaliers. If a deal comes together, Stein thinks the Cavs’ recent acquisition of big man Lauri Markkanen could play a key role.
Markkanen, a sharpshooting seven-footer, was added in a sign-and-trade with the Chicago Bulls. He wound up signing a four-year, $67 million deal with Cleveland, which Stein called a “team-friendly contract that will be easy to trade if needed.”
If Cleveland wants to make a Simmons deal work, it could also dangle guard Collin Sexton as compensation. The former Alabama star has been mentioned in trade talks all offseason.
There’s also the possibility that the Sixers and Cavs would need a third team to get involved to make a trade work. Training camps are set to begin in three weeks, so the clock is ticking.