By Connor Thomas

December 15^th is a big date for the NBA trade market, thanks to the ability to now include players that signed new contracts this offseason as part of a trade. This opens up windows for moves across the NBA, including in Philadelphia as the Sixers continue to search for a Ben Simmons trade destination. Here are 5 teams that the Sixers could reach out to, and what those teams have to offer in return.

• 1.) Portland Trail Blazers

  Yes, the Portland possibility has been belabored over the past couple months when it comes to Ben Simmons. Even though it’s looking less likely by the day, Portland still has two attractive stars in Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum, and now they can couple those stars with Ben McLemore, Tony Snell, or Cody Zeller. Originally, a CJ McCollum centric deal was reportedly turned down by the Sixers. Could these new players available add enough to the pot to get Daryl Morey’s attention?

• 2.) Sacramento Kings

  Young star PG De’Aaron Fox is seemingly growing frustrated in Sacramento as the team continues to struggle. The Kings have been included in Ben Simmons rumors for a while now, and with Fox potentially wanting out, it opens up the door for a deal to be done. Maurice Harkless and Alex Len are now available to be traded, but the more hesitation on this deal seemed to be on Sacramento’s side. The Sixers now have the ability to move Andre Drummond, Danny Green, or Georges Niang to sweeten the return for the Kings, which could end up progressing these talks even further between Sacramento and Philly.

• 3.) Cleveland Cavaliers

  The Cavs are having an absolutely shocking season so far, currently sitting at 4^th place in the Eastern Conference. It’s realistic to expect a drop off considering the talent of that Cleveland roster, but they might feel like they’re close enough to make a big move for Ben Simmons. Lauri Markkanen and Kevin Pangos are both now allowed to be included in any trades Cleveland makes, and the Cavs also have their 1^st round picks in each of the next 7 years (the maximum time frame for future picks to be traded). With Collin Sexton done for the season, maybe Ben Simmons will be an option they consider.

• 4.) San Antonio Spurs

  The Spurs have been lurking in the background of the Ben Simmons trade rumors for a while now, but have never really been a top trade target for Philly. Well, San Antonio now has Keita Bates-Diop, Zach Collins, Bryn Forbes, Jock Landale, and Doug McDermott available to potentially pair with Dejounte Murray. Murray has been having the best season of his career so far at PG for the Spurs, averaging 18 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game. He would be a great scoring addition for the Sixers while also being a triple double threat. Maybe the extra pieces can cause this conversation to become hotter over the coming weeks.

• 5.) Minnesota Timberwolves

  Ah yes, the Timberwolves rumors have been swirling from the start of the Ben Simmons saga. Anthony Edwards, Karl Anthony Towns, DeAngelo Russell, and a bevy of role players have all been linked to a potential Simmons deal, and yet nothing has materialized. There are no new players available for the Timberwolves, but this always had some inklings of a 3 team deal. With so many extra pieces that could be attractive to the Timberwolves available around the league, maybe this could develop into a multi-team trade package. That’s up to Minnesota more than Philly, but it’s an exciting possibility for anyone anxiously awaiting Simmons’ departure from the city of brotherly love.

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