Constructing the perfect Toronto Raptors trade deadline in 2022

4. 76ers don’t move Ben Simmons

After getting bombarded with Simmons trade rumors for an entire offseason, Philadelphia doesn’t seem to be any closer to making this trade happen. The combination of Daryl Morey’s high asking price and Simmons’ refusal to play this season has made a deal almost impossible to pull off.

Any Simmons trade would be a disaster for Toronto. Simmons’ contract is a huge anchor weighing around the necks of Morey and this front office. Unable to get any games out of Simmons and still not making any progress on a trade, the 76ers are unable to add a potential game-changer to their roster.

Ben Simmons staying in Philadelphia is good for the Toronto Raptors.

As easy as it is to make fun of Simmons’ lack of any sort of a jump shot and passive nature on offense, he is one of the most unique talents and best defensive players in the game. Some team will give up a ton of star players and draft picks in order to bring him  to town

While it remains to be seen how long Simmons holds out, the fact that a key division rival isn’t going to have the services of their second-best player for the foreseeable future could help the Raptors steal a crucial win or two. A trade could help Philly restock and assert itself as a contender.