From here on out, we’re gonna brand all Ben Simmons trade rumors as BEN SIMMONS TRADE WATCH 2021. This will go right up there with other illustrious and recurring titles like “HARPER WATCH” and “WENTZ WATCH.”

At The Athletic, Anthony Slater says talks between the Warriors and Sixers were basically nothing. They never really got off the ground:

The Warriors were among the teams Daryl Morey called during his initial round of over-the-top inquiries. That came before the draft. As has been reported, he asked for a package of Andrew Wiggins, James Wiseman, the seventh and 14th picks and two future first-rounders. There was never bargaining. There was only a decline and a hang up.

Neither side has circled back. Morey certainly might at some point in September. The situation in Philadelphia is only getting more tense as the season creeps closer. If the Sixers slash their asking price significantly, it could warrant deeper discussion within the Warriors, from ownership to Bob Myers’ staff on down to the opinionated and involved coaches and veteran players.

The Warriors thing has always been intriguing. Simmons, we think, would love to play in California, and prefer to play there. He bought a house in Southern Cal and works out there in the offseason.

But how does a Ben Simmons + Draymond Green team function? I don’t think it does, not even with Steph Curry and Klay Thompson and a third shooter on the floor. It seems a little redundant to have both Simmons and Draymond on the floor at the same time. That’s why any Ben trade feels like a three-team affair. Get Minnesota or Portland involved. Bring back the perimeter player the Sixers need. Wiggins is good, but is he putting you over the top? Probably not.

The problem with all of this is that Sixers fans have their sights set on Damian Lillard or Bradley Beal. And they’re gonna be disappointed if Morey doesn’t land one of those guys. But there are maybe five dudes in the league as good as those two on the perimeter, so if the Sixers come back with a Sexton/McCollum/Hield + Bagley or whatever kind of return, then obviously it’s a little deflating. When you aim as high as possible, you can only go lower. You settle for less.

Standing by for more news. It’s BEN SIMMONS TRADE WATCH 2021.