NBA Buzz: Simmons, Trade Rumors, Okafor, Kings, Love, Cavaliers

The odds of Ben Simmons playing for the Sixers again have increased with his camp and the team progressing in their talks, as ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reports.

The Sixers had been hoping that Simmons would report and they may get the opportunity to speak with the All-Star soon, Woj adds.

Simmons hasn’t had communications with the front office since late August where he was clear about his desire to be traded. Woj notes that the 25-year-old initially asked for a trade immediately following the team’s playoff series loss to the Hawks.

Philadelphia continues to search for a trade, though nothing has seriously caught their attention. While the team is likely to continue to look for a deal, the organization is open to a long-term pairing between the two sides.

When Simmons misses his second preseason game on Monday night, he’ll have accrued roughly $1 million in lost salary. The three-time All-Star is, however, in the midst of a max contract that has four years and $147 million remaining on it.

More From Around The League

• The Hawks have waived Jahlil Okafor, as Sarah K. Spence of AJC relays. Okafor had been in contention for the team’s 15th roster spot but now, he’ll look to take his talents elsewhere.
  
• The Spurs let go of Luka Samanic, per a team press release. Samanic was the No. 29 overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft. If the forward goes unclaimed, San Antonio will be responsible for his $2.96 guaranteed salary for the upcoming season.
  
• David Aldridge of The Athletic hears that Simmons would be open to a trade to the Kings. That report was prior to the news that his camp had progressed in talks with the Sixers, though it’s something to keep an eye on as the season goes along.
  
• The Cavaliers are banking on Ricky Rubio to help elevate the play of Kevin Love, Terry Pluto of cleveland.com explains. Rubio previously was teammates with Love in Minnesota and the reunion could bring the best back out of the power forward (and potentially, raise his value in trade talks).
  
• If you missed any of our Wizards coverage this past week (including Bradley Beal playing rock-paper-scissors with fans), check out our latest Wizards Week In Review here.