Damian Lillard Reportedly Wants to Play With Ben Simmons in Portland

Are we finally getting some traction in the Ben Simmons saga in Philadelphia? 

According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania and Sam Amick, Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard reportedly would like to play with Simmons. Prior to Neil Olshey’s dismissal as the team’s general manager, the Philadelphia 76ers and Blazers had discussed the framework of a potential Simmons deal. 

“Sources say the Trail Blazers, under Olshey, discussed the framework of a trade for Simmons, moving CJ McCollum, a first-round draft pick and a young player such as Nassir Little or Anfernee Simons to Philadelphia,” Charania and Amick wrote.

“The 76ers, sources said, at one point asked the Trail Blazers for McCollum and multiple draft picks and multiple draft swaps, which Portland rejected. Olshey maintained significant confidence in the roster he constructed. Now, it’s unclear if there’s a deal to be had with the 76ers. But with Olshey out, who among chair Jody Allen, vice chair Bert Kolde and Cronin would be the one making the call on a Simmons trade or any acquisition designed to alleviate Lillard’s concerns?”

Sixers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey has been adamant that he won’t sell-low on his All-Star point guard, but Simmons has yet to play for the Sixers this season. 

BetSided's Bet & Breakfast crew discussed the latest on Damian Lillard and Ben Simmons in Monday's podcast! Check it out below:

Should Bettors Consider a Futures Bet on Either the Sixers or Blazers?

How much long can Philly hold out until it makes a move to try and maximize the team’s title potential this season? The Sixers are currently +2000 at WynnBET to win the NBA Finals while the Blazers sit at +7500 with Lillard currently injured.

Portland has a major decision to make, as Simmons would undoubtedly improve the team’s defense, but his fit alongside big man Jusuf Nurkic would be worse than his fit with Joel Embiid, who is a far superior player to Nurkic and can stretch the floor. 

In theory, a Simmons-Lillard backcourt would allow both players to play to their strengths, but it all comes down to whether or not the Sixers are willing to sell Simmons with McCollum being the top player coming back to Philly. 

The Simmons saga is going to end at some point, but Lillard’s reported desire to play with the All-Star guard certainly makes things interesting as the NBA season inches closer towards this year’s trade deadline.