KEY POINTS

  • The Cavaliers could deal Sexton and Okoro for Ben Simmons
  • The Sixers are trying their best to mend fences, but Simmons is determined to leave
  • Simmons may end up sitting on the sidelines at the start of the season

The clock is ticking on Ben Simmons and the Philadelphia 76ers and Ben Simmons.

So far, there has been no concrete offer and such could lead to an impasse.

However, there are unconfirmed claims that the Cleveland Cavaliers could make a run at the former NBA Rookie of the Year.

Aware that they need to cover the remaining years' worth of about $147 million, an unnamed source told Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com that the package may include Collin Sexton and Isaac Okoro as well some future picks.

Ben Simmons
Ben Simmons has recorded 15 triple-doubles in his career. In this picture, Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Nov. 21, 2018. Mitchell Leff/Getty Images

Fedor also added that seeing Darius Garland or rookie Evan Mobley included in any deal is incredibly low.

Furthermore, the 76ers reportedly do not want limited or no protection on the picks. This appears to be a move to give Philly some flexibility in the event they want to trade for an All-Star player in the future.

Hearing the name of Sexton is nothing new. His name has been dragged in the trade rumor mill for quite some time now, so seeing him in a trade package for Simmons or someone else is hardly surprising.

Curiously, Kevin Love was not mentioned–another Cavs player who is being paid big money but has not performed accordingly.

Although it was not mentioned, he could be a player to watch as the Cavs try to cover the hefty salary of the Australian cager.

The Cavs become the latest team to be linked to Ben Simmons.

According to Stephen A. Smith on ESPN’s First Take, the Portland Trail Blazers were mentioned as a possible trade partner.

In that scenario, it would be CJ McCollum and Robert Covington.

Both deals are nothing more than speculations for now.

As for Simmons and the Sixers, the waiting game continues. Despite the harsh words that 76ers coach Doc Rivers had on the former top pick, he is hoping to convince the 25-year-old to suit up for the coming season.

Simmons has not reacted and may never will. He made it clear that he wants out of Philly and has no plans to be at training camp.

The Sixers want a credible exchange for Simmon, but the huge $147-million salary owed to him is a big stumbling block.

Unless some team is willing to take over from that, Simmons could be spending more time on the sidelines.

Collin Sexton #2 and Isaiah Hartenstein #55 of the Cleveland Cavaliers
Collin Sexton #2 and Isaiah Hartenstein #55 of the Cleveland Cavaliers Getty Images | Ronald Cortes
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