Despite all the trade rumors, Ben Simmons is ending August as a member of the Philadelphia 76ers. Philadelphia has entertained offers for Simmons throughout the summer, but their lofty asking price has prevented a deal.

Philadelphia has turned down trade packages from the Minnesota Timberwolves and Toronto Raptors, according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania. The report also indicates that the 76ers are hoping to deal Simmons for one of the NBA’s top superstars.

The 76ers have their eyes on Damian Lillard, sources tell Charania. Lillard has been surrounded by trade speculation after another first-round playoff exit for the Portland Trail Blazers. However, Lillard hasn’t yet asked Portland for a trade, and the Trail Blazers are planning on having the star point guard on the roster for the 2021-2022 NBA season.

Following Simmons’ poor playoff performance, it might make much more sense for him to be included in a trade involving Portland’s second-best player, not Lillard. There’s been endless speculation about a Simmons-for-CJ McCollum swap.

Considering what Philadelphia is reportedly seeking in exchange for Simmons, the 76ers might not be willing to settle for McCollum anytime soon.

McCollum averaged a career-high 23.1 points per game last season, but he’s never made an All-Star team. Lillard is a six-time All-Star and has been a top-eight MVP finalist in five of the last six years.

Simmons has made three straight All-Star teams and two straight NBA All-Defensive First teams. The 25-year-old averaged a career-low 14.3 points per game last regular season and was a non-factor on offense in the playoffs.

Toronto is reportedly interested in Simmons, but not at Philadelphia's price. Shortly before the draft, The Action Network’s Matt Moore reported that the Raptors rejected the 76ers’ offer of Simmons for Fred VanVleet, OG Anunoby, and the No. 4 overall pick

Minnesota might have to find a third team to make a trade for Simmons happen, according to Charania, since their assets alone don’t seem to be drawing Philadelphia’s interest. Malik Beasley, Jaden McDaniels and D’Angelo Russell would probably be included in any trade between the Timberwolves and 76ers.

Simmons and the 76ers have failed to reach the conference finals in four straight playoff appearances.

Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers dribbles the ball against Lonzo Ball #2 of the New Orleans Pelicans
Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers dribbles the ball against Lonzo Ball #2 of the New Orleans Pelicans Getty Images | Mitchell Leff
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