Exploring Ben Simmons’ Future: A Deep Dive into Potential NBA Trades
The buzz surrounding Ben Simmons and his potential departure from the Philadelphia 76ers has reached fever pitch. Following a season that can only be described as challenging for Simmons, the question on everyone’s lips is not if, but where the former No. 1 pick could be headed next. As the whispers of trade possibilitiesamingdaily.io/news/sports-betting/thescore-chimes-in-on-the-passage-of-canada-sports-betting-bill/” title=”Bill C-218 Passes: theScore Weighs in on Canadas New Sports Betting”>trade possibilities grow louder, let’s dissect the scenarios that could unfold for Simmons, whose prowess on the court, particularly in defense, remains undisputed despite his recent struggles.
Setting the Stage for Simmons’ Departure
Ben Simmons is currently an unrestricted free agent after splitting the 2024-25 NBA season between the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Clippers, where he averaged 5.0 points, 5.6 assists, and 4.7 rebounds across 51 games.
After an underwhelming finish to his fifth season, marked by a notable hesitancy to take shots, the narrative around Ben Simmons and his fit with the Philadelphia 76ers has taken a significant turn. The discussions for a fresh start for Simmons, spearheaded by his agent Rich Paul, have put the spotlight on his future. Despite his commendable achievements, including being named an Eastern Conference All-Star, Simmons’ postseason performance, particularly a 34.2 percent free-throw shooting accuracy, has been a point of contention. This aspect of his game undeniably impacted his overall performance, except in defense where Simmons continues to excel.
The Philadelphia 76ers’ Stance
As of December 2025, Simmons has drawn interest from teams including the New York Knicks, Boston Celtics, Phoenix Suns, Sacramento Kings, and Houston Rockets, though he has reportedly rejected a Knicks offer and questioned continuing his NBA career.
The 76ers have publicly expressed their desire to retain Simmons, highlighting their hopes to improve his shooting capabilities. However, given Daryl Morey’s analytical and shooting-centric approach to basketball strategy, the possibility of a trade cannot be ruled out, especially with Simmons still having four years and over $145 million left on his contract. The betting markets have been abuzz, speculating on Simmons’ next destination, with several teams emerging as potential suitors.
Portland Trail Blazers: A Likely Suitor?
The Portland Trail Blazers, in their quest to appease Damian Lillard following another early playoff exit, have emerged as favorites to secure Simmons. A trade involving C.J. McCollum has been floated as a potential deal, offering an intriguing mix of playmaking and shooting to the 76ers, while Simmons could provide the Blazers with much-needed defensive strength and versatility. This trade scenario, while speculative, presents a feasible pathway for both teams to address their respective challenges.
Other Potential Destinations
Simmons’ tenure with the Philadelphia 76ers ended after a contentious 2021-22 holdout following three All-Star seasons (2019-2021) and a Rookie of the Year award in 2017.
Washington Wizards and San Antonio Spurs
The Washington Wizards, with their dynamic duo of Russell Westbrook and Bradley Beal, have been mentioned as a potential landing spot for Simmons. However, the fit appears less than ideal due to overlapping skill sets and shooting concerns. Similarly, the San Antonio Spurs, despite their ability to potentially offer players like Dejounte Murray, face challenges in crafting a deal that would satisfy the 76ers’ expectations for a return on their investment in Simmons.
Utah Jazz and Oklahoma City Thunder
The Utah Jazz, boasting talents like Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert, do not seem to have the trade assets that align with the 76ers’ needs, making a deal unlikely. On the other hand, the Oklahoma City Thunder, known for their treasure trove of draft picks and willingness to engage in bold trades under Sam Presti’s leadership, present an interesting albeit longshot scenario for Simmons.
Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers
Despite the allure of the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers as potential destinations, the practicalities of a trade involving Simmons to these teams are complicated. The Warriors’ core, including the likes of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, are seen as untouchable, while the Lakers’ focus remains on LeBron James and Anthony Davis, making a path for Simmons to join either team highly improbable.
Conclusion: What Lies Ahead for Ben Simmons?
As speculation continues to swirl around Ben Simmons’ future in the NBA, the reality remains that any potential trade will hinge on finding the right match that benefits both Simmons and the 76ers. With his defensive prowess and untapped potential, Simmons is undoubtedly a valuable asset in the league. The coming weeks and months will reveal where his journey will take him next, but one thing is for certain: the intrigue surrounding his future is far from over.