KEY POINTS

  • Caris LeVert is not enough to convince the Sixers to trade Ben Simmons
  • The Sixers continue to weigh offers from other teams
  • The Pacers appear to be dealing away injury-prone players

The Philadelphia 76ers continue to wait for a credible offer, but no team has been able to strike a tune.

Little is known on which NBA teams tried to pull off a trade with the Sixers.

However, Ian Begley of SNY revealed that the Indiana Pacers were one of them. Ine notable name in the deal is Caris LeVert–the same guy Indiana got from a multiplayer deal that involved James Harden.

It was ironic to hear the name of Harden once more considering the Ben Simmons situation was likened to the current Brooklyn Nets star.

It may take an NBA deal of the same magnitude to see the former NBA top pick switch zip codes.

Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers defends James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets
Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers defends James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets Getty Images | Tim Warner

As far as the deal is concerned, LeVert alone would not cut it. The other players or assets that would form part of the package were not mentioned.

But the 6-foot-6 guard may hardly hit a nerve for Daryl Morey, who wants a credible talent in exchange for the 6-foot-11 guard.

LeVert has been suffering from health problems, something that marred his first coming to Indiana. That involved the discovery of a small mass on his left kidney that prevented him from immediately playing for the Pacers.

Had he been healthy, LeVert would have made sense for the Sixers. He is a score-first guard and someone who can ably fill in the void that head coach Doc Rivers is looking for in terms of firepower and floor leadership.

Philly played their first preseason game without the 2018 NBA Rookie of the Year, who has made it clear that he is done with the franchise.

As for the Pacers, the move hints that they are trying to deal out players who are struggling with their health.

According to sources cited by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Pacers traded Edmond Sumner and a second-round pick to the Nets for Juan Pablo Vaulet.

The second-round pick by the Hornets in 2015 is expected to be waived. Vaulet has yet to play an NBA game.

As for Sumner, he is unlikely to suit up immediately. He is down with a torn Achilles and is not expected to play this 2021-22 NBA season.

Caris LeVert #22 of the Indiana Pacers
Caris LeVert #22 of the Indiana Pacers Getty Images | Andy Lyons
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