After the way Ben Simmons played in the 2021 NBA playoffs, his value might never be lower.
But the Philadelphia 76ers don't see it that way, and if they are going to trade the three-time NBA All-Star, they want to make sure they get what they perceive to be proper value for Simmons.
The Warriors are big-fish hunting, reportedly at the recommendation of their core three players Steph Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green, and Simmons is one of the players that fits the profile of a win-now move.
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But what the 76ers desire for Simmons, the former No. 1 overall pick, might not be palatable for the Warriors.
The San Francisco Chronicle's Connor Letourneau reported Friday that the 76ers are asking for "a massive haul that includes an All-Star-level player." Letourneau cites a league source who stated the Warriors "wouldn’t be willing to give up what it would take to get Simmons."
The Warriors have no intentions of trading Curry, Thompson or Green, the three All-Stars on their roster, and Andrew Wiggins, who would have to be part of any Simmons trade to make the money work, hasn't been named to an All-Star team during his career. 2020 No. 2 overall pick James Wiseman has All-Star potential, but he still is very early in his development and might not reach that level for a few years.
If the 76ers view Wiggins as an "All-Star-level player," then the two sides might have a starting point for a trade. But if Philadelphia doesn't see Wiggins in that light, then there's no common ground.
Golden State Warriors
Simmons, who is a skilled passer, defender and scorer from close range, had a nightmare postseason for the 76ers, which was punctuated by a forgettable moment in a Game 7 loss to the Atlanta Hawks in June.
With the 76ers down two points in the fourth quarter, Simmons appeared to have an easy layup or dunk, but passed it up, instead dishing to a flat-footed Matisse Thybulle, who was fouled as he tried to go to the rim.
Simmons, who struggled mightily late in each game against the Hawks, appeared to be scared to get fouled due to his poor free throw shooting. Fans in Philadelphia were furious with the 6-foot-11 guard and were ready to run him out of town.
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Even if the Warriors and 76ers could find common ground for a trade, he might not be a perfect fit in the Bay Area due to his lack of shooting ability. While Simmons' defense and passing would be welcome in San Francisco, having him and Green on the court at the same time would put two non-shooters on the floor simultaneously, which might not be ideal.
Simmons and the 76ers both might need a fresh start, but it appears there's no match with the Warriors unless Philadelphia lowers its asking price for the 25-year-old, which doesn't seem likely.