The 76ers reportedly asked for multiple All-Star caliber players and a top-five pick in Thursday's NBA Draft in exchange for Ben Simmons.
That’s bad news for the Celtics.
The 76ers recently asked the Raptors for guards Kyle Lowry, Fred VanVleet, OG Anunoby, and the No. 4 overall pick, according to Action Network's Matt Moore (otherwise known as “Hardwood Paroxysm” on Twitter).
That is quite a package, and it’s hard to believe the Raptors would be content surrendering so much talent, along with the No. 4 pick. They couldn’t possibly believe a Simmons-Paskal Siacom duo is good enough to elevate them back to the top of the Eastern Conference.
With that in mind, it’s pretty shocking that Daryl Morey reportedly asked for those pieces. Unsurprisingly, he was rejected, per reports.
Up to this point, it’s been reported Morey is looking for an All-Star in return for Simmons, who remains immensely talented — playoff shooting woes aside.
But this reported deal goes well beyond that.
The Celtics haven’t been seriously tied to Simmons, but could be in the mix for Bradley Beal, assuming he asks for a trade from Washington. As of Monday, he still hadn’t requested to be moved, reports Fred Katz of The Athletic.
The big question facing the Celtics in their pursuit for another All-Star is their willingness to give up Jaylen Brown. It’s long been suspected he would be the centerpiece for any trade involving Beal or Damian Lillard, who could be on the move as well.
But maybe offering Brown and additional parts wouldn’t be enough to pry away Beal, assuming the asking price for Simmons is that high.
There is one big difference between Simmons and Beal, however. The latter has a player option for 2022-23, while the former is under team control for four more seasons. Plus, Simmons is only 25 years old.
The Celtics better hope Simmons’ age and contract are driving Morey’s seemingly absurd demands. Because if that’s the cost of acquiring a superstar, they can dismiss the dream of reuniting Beal and Jayson Tatum.
The NBA Draft starts Thursday at 8:00 p.m. ET.