Raptors rumors: Toronto says no to crazy Ben Simmons offer from 76ers

Toronto Raptors rumors season is in full swing, and the possibility of making an earth-shaking trade for a player like Philadelphia 76ers All-Star Ben Simmons remains very much in the realm of possibility, even if Daryl Morey is holding out for an insane offer.

The latest reports seem to suggest that Philly wants an All-Star level player in their prime in order to part ways with Simmons, who is coming off of a season in which his lack of shooting skill really hurt Philadelphia in the postseason. As silly as Morey’s asking price may sound, Simmons is an elite defensive player, so he has plenty of value.

With Kyle Lowry considering leaving Toronto after almost a decade there, the idea of a sign-and-trade that sends him to the hometown 76ers in exchange for Simmons might be appealing for both sides. However, if Morey doesn’t lower his frankly insane asking price, no deal will get done.

Matt Moore of The Action Network claims that the 76ers offered Toronto a proposal that would see them part with Lowry, Fred VanVleet, OG Anunoby, and the No. 4 pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. Naturally, the Raptors rejected this ridiculous offer.

Raptors rumors: The 76ers want too much for Ben Simmons.

While Simmons is signed long-term and offers one of the most versatile and unique packages on both sides of the ball, the fact that the Sixers don’t realize he is a declining asset at the moment is nothing short of shocking. Trying to get three players and a Top-four selection for a non-shooter who averaged 14.3 points per game last year is criminal.

Since Lowry, a better shooter and scorer than Simmons is right now, apparently isn’t enough to convince Morey to make a trade, Philly’s front office now wants to grab two young, elite defensive players fresh of career-best numbers in scoring. There is no way Toronto could justify giving up that package of players for Simmons.

https://twitter.com/Raptors/status/1362570500342484996

That package, No. 4 pick and all, might be worth it if you’re acquiring a superstar like Damian Lillard or Bradley Beal that can singlehandedly carry the offense. Mortgaging the future for a player who averaged 9.9 points per game against the Hawks in the postseason would be the height of irresponsibility.

Toronto should absolutely consider trading away some assets in order to acquire a star and accelerate the retooling, and Simmons could find his jumper under a coach in Nick Nurse that demands an itchy trigger finger from his guards.

However, if the 76ers want the Raptors to give away every tradeable asset they have to get Simmons, their time and energy are better spent elsewhere.