Wolves, Raptors, Pacers, Spurs, Cavs consistently pursuing Ben Simmons

The 2021-22 NBA season tips off in a week-and-a-half, and it’s still unclear what the future holds for Ben Simmons. The three-time All-Star has refused to report to the Philadelphia 76ers after requesting a trade and emptying out his Philly home.

While a trade doesn't appear to be imminent, there are a number of potential suitors. According to Marc Stein, there are five teams that have “consistently registered interest” in the 25-year-old: the Minnesota Timberwolves, Toronto Raptors, San Antonio Spurs, Cleveland Cavaliers and Indiana Pacers.

Recently, the Sixers reportedly asked the Blazers for three first-round picks and three pick swaps in exchange for Simmons, and Portland wasn’t interested.

Also, Stein notes that Philadelphia has been “unmoved” about the possibility of dealing Simmons to the Pacers for a package built around Caris LeVert and Malcolm Brogdon. 

"No matter how unrealistic it sounds, Portland's Damian Lillard remains the type of starry target [Daryl] Morey seeks,” Stein wrote in his Substack newsletter.

It remains to be seen whether Philadelphia will budge and lower their asking price for Simmons, but it seems unlikely that a trade will happen as long as the Sixers are demanding so much in return.