If you ask me, the writing has been on the wall for months now. After years of trusting the process, one of the key figures of Philadelphia’s process to rebuild a successful basketball team wants out.
Reports have been dropping all Summer long that Philadelphia 76ers all-star Ben Simmons and Sixers both needed to move on. Now that we are a few days before the start of Sixers camp, Ben Simmons is again letting it be known that his days in Philly are over.
According to LibertyBallers,
When you look at all the reports out there, it’s hard to find a deal that accomplishes the goals of Simmons moving on and the Sixers having a chance at a title. Teams like the Timberwolves, Kings and Warriors have been linked to Simmons, but none likely possess the assets — or are willing to part with their premium assets — to make the Sixers a better team right now.
A rumor suggested the Rockets could eye Simmons in a deal for John Wall, but it’s hard to imagine Daryl Morey has much of an appetite for such a deal with Wall’s bloated contract and recent injury history. We’ve heard whispers that teams like the Raptors and Spurs have had interest in Simmons, but there hasn’t been much smoke there recently.
So, this appears to be a true stalemate. Sixers media day is next Monday, where all of Simmons’ teammates will surely be peppered with questions surrounding the three-time All-Star. The following day, training camp begins, and it appears Simmons will not be there. There’s been no indication whether the Sixers will fine and/or suspend Simmons for not reporting.
This is a fairly unprecedented situation in NBA history. Simmons still has four years and almost $150 million left on his max contract. The recent “holdouts” of Jimmy Butler and James Harden are tough comparisons — they weren’t even truly holdouts. Both players reported to their teams and pretty much made things untenable. Knowing Simmons’ personality, it’s hard to imagine him showing up and being disruptive in order to force his way out.
Let’s see who moves first. Things here could get very very interesting.
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