NBA Rumors: Latest on Ben Simmons Trade Suitors, Thaddeus Young Interest

Matt Slocum/Associated Press

The 2021-22 NBA season begins on Oct. 19 which means most teams already have their rosters set.

However, there are a few players who could remain available after the preseason ends and others who are still trying to vie for a new home. Additionally, all 30 teams will look to trim down their rosters and account for their strengths and weaknesses.

As such, the organizations will continue to make trades well into the beginning of 2022. The NBA hasn’t announced an official date for the trade deadline but it usually takes place right after the All-Star break. So, there is still time to evaluate potential offers and makes some effective moves.

There’s Still Plenty of Interest in Ben Simmons

The next potential destination for Ben Simmons has to be biggest the lingering NBA headline at the moment.

The 25-year-old and Philadelphia have been at a bit of an impasse since coach Doc Rivers, Daryl Morey, Elton Brand, and Josh Harris went to Los Angeles to try to mend the relationship. Now, Simmons is refusing to report to training camp, which will for the organization to withhold his salary and fine him.

According to Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report, a league source revealed: “October 1 marks the date that the second 25 percent of Simmons’ salary for the 2021-22 season—roughly $8.25 million—is due to the All-Star guard, but the Philadelphia 76ers do not intend to pay Simmons on Friday.”

With this much drama going on, it’s clear that the Aussie’s days with the team are numbered. However, the Sixers’ brass may have to grit their teeth and accept a team that doesn’t fit their high standards in order to stop prolonging this situation.

Luckily there is no shortage of suitors for the three-time all-star. Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that “a league source said the Timberwolves, Pacers, Cavaliers, Pistons, Raptors, and Spurs are all still inquiring about Ben Simmons’ availability.”

This makes sense because all seven teams could use a young star to build around. At this rate, it seems like both parties are being stubborn but one of these options could put together a decent trade. The Pacers probably have the most to offer because they have some tempting draft picks coming up.

Eric Gay/Associated Press

Thaddeus Young Could Be On the Move Again

Speaking of San Antonio, the team could shop Thaddeus Young in a possible trade for Simmons.
The Spurs acquired the 14-year veteran, Al Farouq-Aminu, and future draft picks from Chicago in a sign and trade DeMar DeRozan. Now, he’s conceivably the best option to package into their next big trade.

Zach Lowe of ESPN stated, “Given roster turnover and their overall youth, I’m a little skeptical the Spurs will have an elite defense — as stingy overall as they were in the minutes DeRozan sat. A lot of those minutes came against backups, and San Antonio’s bench — long an efficiency machine — has been overhauled. Young seems like an obvious trade candidate; contenders have already inquired about him, sources said. (He would be a great fit with the Phoenix Suns playing the Dario Saric role.”

Young had a solid second season with the Bulls contributing 12.1 points, 4.3 assists (the most he has ever accrued), and 6.2 rebounds per game off the bench. He also shot a career-high average of .559 from the field thanks to his tremendous play around the basket.

For those reasons, the 33-year-old power forward wouldn’t be a bad addition to a team on the cusp of success in the playoffs.