A trade of Ben Simmons by the Philadelphia 76ers remains an apparent inevitability, but no deal is imminent.

The 76ers conducted expansive discussions with several teams, including the Minnesota Timberwolves and Toronto Raptors, but neither package was found appealing enough for an agreement to be reached.

The 76ers have told teams they are comfortable bringing back Simmons for the 21-22 season, but rival executives believe it is a matter of when and not if he is traded.

The Timberwolves have been motivated to find a deal for Simmons but would likely require a third team given their asset pool of Malik Beasley, Jaden McDaniels and D’Angelo Russell might not entice the 76ers.

The 76ers continue to seek Damian Lillard, but the Portland Trail Blazers want to build around him. The 76ers may be stuck between waiting out Lillard or trading Simmons now.