Ben Simmons Deal Between 76ers & Hawks Seems Unlikely

The 76ers asking price is too high.

© Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

After weeks of speculation, it appears the trade negotiations between the Atlanta Hawks and Philadelphia 76ers are cooling off. In case you missed it, the Hawks emerged as serious suitors for Simmons. The 6'10 point guard has not played for the 76ers since an embarrassing playoff series against the Hawks last summer.

According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the 76ers asking price remains too high for the Hawks. To acquire Simmons, the Hawks would have to deal John Collins, multiple first-round draft picks, and take on Tobias Harris who is in the third year of a massive five-year contract. You can read the full article by clicking on the tweet below.

76ers prefer to wait to pursue James Harden or another superstar in offseason and want to save Ben Simmons for that potential deal over current market, per sources with knowledge and rival teams.

Details and Simmons latest with @sam_amick at @TheAthletic: https://t.co/kQl6DBhUZf

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 24, 2022

I understand the allure of waiting for James Harden. Back when 76ers General Manager Daryl Morey was in Houston, he built a championship contender around Harden. However, that was years ago and Harden's game has fallen off since that time. Not to mention, Morey is wasting another season of Joel Embiid's prime.

We have a little over 2.5 weeks until the February 10 trade deadline. I fully expect the Hawks to make more trades in the meantime, even if they do not involve Simmons. Stay locked into Sports Illustrated's AllHawks.com for breaking news, highlights, and analysis.

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