The 76ers have no interest in a Simmons for Westbrook trade

After a turbulent summer in which their All-Star guard expressed his desire to leave, the 76ers are no closer to finding a solution or destination for him.

Ben Simmons for Russell Westbrook? Nope!

In less than a month the NBA's trade window will come to a close. While there has been a fair amount of movement so far, the one scenario that most have been keeping an eye on has still yet to change. Ben Simmons remains a Philadelphia 76ers player, with the franchise continuing to keep their options open regarding a potential trade for the want away point guard. While there have been a variety of names mentioned in connection with the Australian, Philadelphia has maintained their stance that no move will be made unless it is beneficial to them. Indeed, the latest name to be mentioned and subsequently shut down is Russell Westbrook of the Los Angeles Lakers. According to reports, there will be no blockbuster deal between the teams with the 76ers apparently having no interest what so ever.

Russell Westbrook's tough start and the 76ers's stance

Though it's hard to arrive at a black and white conclusion as to why, the reality is Russell Westbrook has not performed as expected alongside LeBron James and his fellow Lakers superstars. The likes of Anthony Davis and Carmelo Anthony are part of a star studded Los Angeles team which has got off to a rough start this season. Such is the extent of the the Lakers' dip in form that there has even been talk of moving on the veteran guard. With that said it is now clear it won't be to Philadelphia. Interstingly, the Sixers' President of basketball operations Daryl Morey traded for Westbrook once before during his time as the general manager of the Houston Rockets, a a move that he now seems intent on not repeating.

Simmons vs Westbrook and the Sixers position

If we consider defense, then it must be said that Ben Simmons is the better player. Where offense is concerned, it can be argued that they are both more or less the same player in terms of how they operate across the court. With that in mind it would seem to make sense that the 76ers are not interested in the trade, however, there are other things to factor in as well. Simmons and Westbrook are both players who do better with the ball in their hands. Additionally, it must be said that neither player shows great off the ball movement nor are they well known for their shooting ability. In light of all of this, the concept of Westbrook playing alongside the Sixers' All-Star center Joel Embiid comes in for further questioning.

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Of course all that has been previously mentioned is before any consideration is given to Philadelphia's asking price. The reality is that the Sixers remain firm in their desire to see a player of equivalent level - All Star - arrive in exchange for the former top overall pick. Indeed, Morey appears to be focused on insuring that any move made doesn't serve to hinder the franchise's prospects going forward. In the end, it is clear that there is no going back for Ben Simmons and the Philadelphia 76ers, however, while speculation will continue to swirl, don't expect the Sixers to settle for anything less than what they know Simmons is worth. Watch this space!