The Philadelphia 76ers have discussed trading Ben Simmons to the Detroit Pistons in exchange for a package featuring forward Jerami Grant, sources told the Philadelphia Inquirer's Keith Pompey.
In addition to Grant, Philadelphia is seeking a young player, another forward, and a draft pick from Detroit in return for Simmons, Pompey adds. Second-year forward Saddiq Bey and veteran big man Kelly Olynyk were reportedly mentioned as possible pieces in a potential Simmons deal, although Detroit is apparently unlikely to include either player.
Talks involving Grant - whom the 76ers drafted 39th overall in 2014 - have lasted for several months, Pompey notes. After initially not wanting to part ways with young talent, the Pistons have reportedly come around to the idea in hopes that landing Simmons would help make Detroit a more desirable free-agent destination.
Outside of discussions with the Pistons, several members of Philadelphia's front office apparently want to keep Simmons for the rest of the season with the goal of acquiring Brooklyn Nets superstar James Harden in a sign-and-trade this upcoming summer. The 76ers previously pursued Harden last season before the Houston Rockets dealt the 2018 MVP to Brooklyn.
Harden is currently eligible to sign a four-year extension with the Nets and has a $47.4-million player option for the 2022-23 campaign. He previously said he doesn't want to rush extension talks with the team. Harden has also expressed a desire to remain in Brooklyn for the remainder of his career.
Simmons, who finished as the runner-up for Defensive Player of the Year last season, still hasn't played for the 76ers this campaign.