Doc Rivers has talked to Ben Simmons about the trade rumors surrounding the point guard but the Sixers coach wouldn’t reveal any details, Rich Hofmann of The Athletic tweets. Simmons has been mentioned prominently as the centerpiece of any package for the Rockets’ disgruntled star, James Harden, if Philadelphia pursues that avenue. “I can tell you that none of this started from us,” Rivers said. “I gave Ben a call (Thursday) night but I’m not going to share what we said. It’s unfortunate, but it’s part of the business.”
We have more from the Atlantic Division:
- Joe Harris signed a four-year, $72MM contract in free agency but the Nets swingman isn’t guaranteed of having a bigger role, Mollie Walker of The New York Post writes. Harris averaged a career-best 14.5 PPG last season but that’s likely to drop with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving being the main options. “Obviously, right now, those guys are our focal point offensively,” Harris said. “That’s how we’re going to play our best basketball. That’s how we’re going to be most productive. I think, kind of across the board, a lot of other guys are going to have to adapt.”
- Charles Oakley wants to add Knicks owner James Dolan as a defendant to his assault and battery lawsuit against Madison Square Garden, Daniel Kaplan of The Athletic reports. The former Knicks player was forcibly removed, arrested and banned from MSG in 2017. Previously, Oakley contended Dolan had ordered his removal. He is now alleging Dolan ordered the so-called assault. The federal Second Circuit Court of Appeals reinstated the assault and battery claims in November after a lower court had thrown out the lawsuit’s 10 original claims, Kaplan adds.
- Damyean Dotson wasn’t surprised the Knicks failed to make him an offer in free agency, according to Marc Berman of the New York Post. Dotson wound up signing a two-year deal with the Cavaliers, though only the first year is guaranteed. “It’s a whole new staff, management, coaches,” Dotson said. “The guys that drafted me, Phil Jackson, has been gone three years now. It’s a new wave. It wasn’t surprising.’’
Dotson should of been brought back so disappointed
Dotson was one of my favorite Knicks but let’s be objective for a moment.
Dotson was part of a brutal team
He could only fetch $2 million/year deal.
He is now in a the Cavs, a team the Knicks destroyed in the preseason last night almost 40 points. That was the same Dotson running around the court last night!
Dotson’s defense on the Knicks only looked decent because everyone else was terrible. He was basically the newest Knicks version of Quentin Richardson.
He’s a backup 2-guard at best on any real team.
And finally, Alex Burks is better.
Rivers said. “I gave Ben a call (Thursday) night but I’m not going to share what we said. It’s unfortunate, but it’s part of the business.”
Well if Simmons left town via trade, there would not be tears in my eyes
However, I don’t think Harden to Philadelphia is a good idea.
Unless Maxey is the real deal and can start right away. Either that or trade for Dennis Smith Jr. and give him the change of scenery he needs.
He told him as of today he’s a 76er – and probably tomorrow, as well. But IF he gets traded, that’s part of the business too!
Do you think Simmons cares either way?
I would not call him a fan favorite and I think the feeling is mutual
You’re only speaking for yourself.
It’s quite obvious that you don’t know what you’re talking about.
Any chance Rickets would take DSj for two 2nd round picks? If I’m Leon, I make that trade in heart beat.
James Dolan added as defendant in Charles Oakley…still not his worst crime against Knicks players (or fans). If only they could lock someone up for being a moron!
In playoffs
76ers won’t beat Nets and Bucks
But 76ers have a chance to beat Heat or Celtics in first round
Celtics should use TPE to acquire a $20 million player
Other teams have better coach than 76ers
Nets 8th man is better than 76ers 4th man
Modern NBA needs shooters
Simmons isn’t good at shooting
If Brooklyn can beat the Sixers, so can Miami and Boston.
One must wonder why Simmons keep appearing in all of these trade rumors?
When is obvious he loves it in PHI & the team ain’t gonna trade him!
Toby is more than enough to get Harden if that’s what they want, no need to give away Simmons!
At the end of the day the rumors come from the talkin’ heads & are baseless, just created by them to get clicks or whatever…
Specially that Wojnarowski dude, he always makes things up, really can’t stand the dude, so arrogant & smug!
@El Don…perfect post
Nobody wants Tobias and that contract. You would be lucky to get Julius Randle’s expiring contract for Harris straight up.
Well said.
If the Sixers trade for Harden it will look like this:
Sixers get: Harden, Clemons
Rockets get: Simmons, Seth Curry, Thybulle, 3 first round picks
In our Universe, or another alternate One?