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Report: Ben Simmons trade not coming any time soon; Sixers are patient

Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports

As the saga involving Ben Simmons and the Philadelphia 76ers drags on, it is getting tough to watch. The 25-year-old three-time All-Star continues to address his mental health issues, according to his camp, but he is taking his time and he does not want to be rushed back.

The Sixers want him out on the floor as soon as possible to help the team win games, contend for a championship and boost his trade value. Considering Simmons is under contract for another four years and president Daryl Morey has hinted the franchise will keep this dance going with him until he returns or it gets the value it wants in a trade, this does not look like it will end any time soon.

Per Sam Amick of The Athletic, the Sixers are going to remain patient in hopes of getting a star player in return for Simmons, which they believe could happen soon:

It does not appear any deal will happen soon. As it stands, Simmons isn’t going anywhere until Morey is able to swap him for a truly elite player. And, yes, in case you wondered, the Sixers have an actual list of such names internally.

A source with knowledge of the list said there are approximately 30 players who would satisfy the Sixers in a Simmons swap, and there’s an internal belief that a fair amount of them — let’s say five to 10 — could become available in the next year or two. And while it might sound like a long list, consider this much: It’s approximately six percent of the league and the rough equivalent to the number of All-Stars selected every season. The framing of the timeline, more than anything else, speaks volumes about the long-term approach the Sixers insist they’re taking.

“This is like a multiyear thing,” a Sixers source said.

For now, it appears the Sixers will remain patient with Simmons and want to get him back out on the floor for them. Not only would that help the team on the court, but it also would help Simmons boost his trade value to advance trade talks. It appears that this will require some give and take from both sides to get something done.

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