Because NBA training camps start in a month, teams are in different parts of the offseason. From players and coaches to groups of front-office owners and executives, team staff have been disoriented for the past 18 months. The coronavirus pandemic has caused tensions across the country. Now, some teams are in an intermediate period of the low season (taking advantage of free time to cool off), while others have yet to finish their summer business.
As one senior team official said in recent days, “there has been a bit of a pause lately. Everyone needed to strike. ”
However, several situations need clarity and resolution before training begins in late September.
The future of Ben Simmons
The 76ers opened trade talks around Simmons, the three-time All-Star, in July, but so far their talks have not reached the pinnacle of a deal. Philadelphia has held big discussions with several teams, including Minnesota and Toronto, but neither a pack of Timberwolves nor the Raptors ’proposals have attracted as many as the 76ers.