NBA Trade Deadline: Latest Rumors On Ben Simmons, Tobias Harris

The Philadelphia 76ers have been unable to trade Ben Simmons as the team refuses to lower its asking price. The Atlanta Hawks are the latest team that reportedly has interest in Simmons, though it sounds like the two sides are not at all close to reaching a deal.

The Athletic reported Monday that Atlanta has become a possible landing spot for Simmons. The report suggested Cam Reddish and John Collins as potential pieces of a trade, noting that Collins has grown frustrated with his role for the Hawks.

In discussions with Atlanta, Philadelphia has looked to include Tobias Harris in a Simmons trade, according to ESPN’s Marc Spears. The Hawks reportedly don’t want to take back Harris, who is only in the third season of a five-year, $180 million contract.

Atlanta might be motivated to make a trade before the Feb. 10 deadline. With nearly half the regular season completed, the Hawks have a 17-22 record, putting them out of the playoff picture as the East’s No. 12 seed.

After reaching the 2021 Eastern Conference Finals, Atlanta has been one of the NBA’s most disappointing teams.

“We have a few weeks before the trade deadline here, and this is what I need to figure out,” Hawks General Manager Travis Schlenk said on 92.9 FM The Game last week. “It's my responsibility to put a product on the floor that can win, and right now, I'm not sure I have done that.”

Philadelphia has remained steadfast in its attempt to receive an All-Star-caliber player in exchange for Simmons. After making three straight All-Star teams and two consecutive selections on the NBA All-Defensive First Team, Simmons hasn’t played all season.

Only three teams have a worse defensive rating than the Hawks.

Harris has been productive with averages of 18.4 points, 7.5 rebounds and 3.9 assists. The veteran is only shooting 29.5% from 3-point range, and the Hawks likely don’t want to pay his lofty salary.

Collins has similar numbers with 17.5 points and 7.9 rebounds in 32.6 minutes per game. Collins signed a five-year, $125 million contract in the offseason.

The 76ers are the No. 5 seed in the East.