Stein: Cavs in the Hunt for Simmons

The Cleveland Cavaliers have shown interest in trading for Ben Simmons, according to NBA insider Marc Stein. Stein highlighted the Cavaliers’ interest in the out-of-favor Philadelphia 76ers star as part of his updated power rankings, following the team’s recent acquisition of Lauri Markkanen.

The Committee liked the Cavaliers’ recent acquisition of Lauri Markkanen, even after the Cavs drafted Evan Mobley and re-signed Jarrett Allen, because they added Markkanen on a team-friendly contract that will be easy to trade if needed. This is no small thing when league sources say that Cleveland continues to keep its hat in the ring to try to pry Ben Simmons from the Sixers.

Simmons’ relationship with his former team seems irreconcilable after the Australian point guard asked to be traded last week.

Initial reporting suggested Simmons hoped to land with one of the four California-based teams, however Fox Sports’ Chris Broussard suggested that the former No. 1 pick was open to any of the other 29 NBA franchises.