Sixers Have No Hope For Damian Lillard

Much virtual ink has been spilled in recent weeks regarding Ben Simmons of the Philadelphia 76ers and his unhappiness with his current situation. Similarly, much has been said and debated about the Portland Trail Blazers’ interest in acquiring Ben Simmons, especially in light of the rumor that Sixers General Manager Daryl Morey has a deep interest in swapping Ben Simmons for the Blazers’ Damian Lillard. Recently, Sam Amick of the Athletic revealed that a source had told him that there was no traction in any deal for Damian Lillard.

But as you both know, and has been said and written about plenty of times, the Lillard-for-Simmons swap with Portland that is widely seen as Morey’s dream scenario just isn’t realistic. Not yet, anyway.

“You’re waiting on a prayer,” the source said of the Lillard scenario.

As Amick notes, it is hard to figure out where to go from that point on both sides of any purported deal.

And in the absence of that, no one can seem to figure out what sort of trade gets this sticky situation resolved. Meanwhile, we’ve officially reached the point where Simmons is paying dearly for staying away — reportedly $360,000 per preseason game missed, with the money coming out of the $8.25 million that was withheld from him recently and placed in an escrow account from which fines will be deducted.

It remains to be seen if Simmons will indeed be moved. You can read the entire piece (subscription required) here.