#2 Portland Trail Blazers
The Philadelphia 76ers were reportedly holding on for Damian Lillard to become available to try and negotiate a trade deal with the Portland Trail Blazers. However, Simmons is not expected to be the major asset that can be sent in exchange for Lillard, with the Dame also not looking likely to move right now.


Regardless, a potential trade deal involving CJ McCollum will not only lead to acquiring a shooting guard that the 76ers desperately want, it will also realistically add balance to a Trail Blazers side that has some of the best shooters in the NBA. The deal, therefore, makes sense for both teams involved, although Simmons himself is reportedly holding on for a move to California.
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#3 Sacramento Kings
Finally, it is the Sacramento Kings that might be the final California team with a chance to snap Ben Simmons. The Sacramento Kings are the bookies’ favorite to land Ben Simmons as they expressed interest as early as July and are looking to transform a defense that lacks physicality and rim protection, two things Simmons will bring to the table.
Ben Simmons might find interested teams hard to come by considering his recent form in the NBA, and a potential breakthrough season on a lesser roster might be his best option. THe Sacramento Kings have multiple assets, with Buddy Hield the most obvious choice for a potential trade deal. However, the likes of Tristan Thompson and Marvin Bagley are also players not expected to have long-term futures at the Kings.
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