The Philadelphia 76ers have maintained their patience in trading Ben Simmons with the expectation that a true star who is not currently available would eventually become available.

While Damian Lillard has continued to pledge his fidelity to the Portland Trail Blazers, Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report writes that "the Sixers and other teams around the league remain optimistic he could eventually request a trade prior to the 2022-23 season."

The Blazers are heading into an uncertain period following the firing of Neil Olshey and their status as non-contenders in the Western Conference.