The Ben Simmons trade rumors are not going to fade away until he is either moved or the deadline passes.
He has made it clear he is not playing again for the Philadelphia 76ers, leaving the team’s front office in a tricky spot.
They could easily move him for a nice return, getting some core pieces and some draft picks.
But executive Daryl Morey seems to be holding out for a blockbuster deal.
A recent rumor circulating on social media says Morey turned down a nice trade offer from the Detroit Pistons.
REPORT: The Pistons made a trade offer of Jerami Grant, Saddiq Bey, Kelly Olynyk and a 1st-round pick to the 76ers for Ben Simmons, via B/R.
The 76ers were not excited about the offer. pic.twitter.com/fBSuCKX6nv
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) January 18, 2022
An offer of Jerami Grant, Saddiq Bey, Kelly Olynyk and a first-rounder is not a blockbuster, but may also be better than just having Simmons sit at home.
Who knows whether this rumor is 100 percent true or not.
Regardless, the NBA world is reacting in a major way, especially toward Morey.
Daryl Morey is a buffoon https://t.co/OQGRhkbYpM
— Jared ➐ (@JelfPassan) January 18, 2022
NBA World Reacts To Latest Simmons Rumor
If this offer is true, Morey seems to believe a great offer is coming, whether that be before the deadline or in the offseason.
That isn’t stopping fans from saying Simmons just needs to go.
The Daryl Morey special https://t.co/ILNxxtrDit
— Anthony Duckett (@a_duckett) January 18, 2022
Ben Simmons to Daryl Morey https://t.co/NGRxeb6rw8 pic.twitter.com/D5RivSkSXD
— Crxyz😹😹 (@CrxyzOk) January 18, 2022
This is who Daryl Morey thinks Ben Simmons is pic.twitter.com/0iAMgLqNk6
— #1 Celtic Hater (@JaylenandJayson) January 18, 2022
The jokes are abundant as Morey clearly views Simmons as a legendary talent.
That, or he is just a big believer in not rushing a deal for a talented player.
Teams could get desperate and make an unbelievable offer right before the trade deadline.
Daryl Morey is nuts
— my album is almost done (@maniwentsolo) January 18, 2022
Daryl Morey trying his hardest to not trade Ben
— Realest101__(Backup) (@Realest101B) January 18, 2022
I get why Daryl Morey wouldn’t do this trade but what more does he expect? https://t.co/VTx2ruHwij
— Ambassador of Screen Assists (@reross9) January 18, 2022
Morey and the 76ers are in a tough spot.
The entire reason Simmons is disgruntled with the team has to do with the reaction to his playoff collapse last season.
Will teams really trade for him if they are afraid he can’t shoot when it matters most?
Daryl Morey gonna wait for a 33 year old James Harden?
— Brio (@KevBoy_) January 18, 2022
This could all pay off for the 76ers in the end.
But if they are stuck with Simmons until the offseason, the reaction toward Morey will remain overwhelmingly negative.
NEXT: The 76ers Can Stand Pat And Be Just Fine