Could the Dallas Mavericks trade for Ben Simmons? Will they?

Could the Dallas Mavericks trade for Ben Simmons?

The Sixers gave up two first-round picks, Simmons, Seth Curry, and Andre Drummond to land James Harden from the Nets in February. Holding out drove the three-time All-Star’s value down, and he has not played since. The Nets may have to settle for a first-round pick or two and the contracts to match his $35.4 million salary.

Simmons has three seasons and more than $113 million left on his contract, which could be looked at two ways. The team acquiring him has a 25-year-old All-Star locked in for three seasons or Simmons is owed $113 million and has played just 115 games in the last three seasons combined.

The Mavericks want a second star next to Luka Doncic, and this could be the ultimate buy-low opportunity. Brooklyn would never deal Simmons with his value at rock bottom if this Kevin Durant trade request was not hanging over them. They need to nail the KD deal, and that could mean shipping Simmons elsewhere at a discount.

The Dallas Mavericks could offer multiple first-round picks for Simmons, but they do not have much else. Would Dallas be the high bidder? Fans can debate that, but his value could be so low that the Mavericks may be the top offer.