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Report: Other teams believe 76ers will trade Ben Simmons

76ers star Ben Simmons

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JUNE 06: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers directs teammates during the first quarter against the Atlanta Hawks during Game One of the Eastern Conference second round series at Wells Fargo Center on June 06, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

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The 76ers’ asking price for a Ben Simmons trade has been outlandishly high. Many expect Philadelphia to keep him into training camp.

But make no mistake: Nobody thinks Simmons is long for the 76ers.

Shams Charania of The Athletic:

While the 76ers have told teams they are comfortable bringing Simmons back for the 2021-22 season, rival executives believe it’s only a matter of when — not if — the All-Defensive team stalwart is moved.

The “when” matters, too. Simmons wants to be traded. Joel Embiid threw him under the bus after the 76ers lost in the playoffs. Communication has broken down between Simmons and the organization.

It would be quite awkward if Simmons returns to Philadelphia.

The 76ers can dream about Damian Lillard, but they must also focus on the present. They could win a championship this season with Embiid and a well-fitting supporting cast fortified by a Simmons trade.

Which is among the many reasons a Simmons is still viewed as inevitable.