Philadelphia 76ers point guard Ben Simmons will not report for training camp next week and doesn’t intend on being a part of the franchise going forward, per ESPN. The number of implications resulting from this standoff between Simmons and the 76ers is definitely concerning.
The 25-year-old player desires a trade from Philadelphia and has informed the management that he will not wear an NBA uniform until he is no longer part of the team, according to sources.
This epic standoff between two parties can be detrimental to the organization. The 76ers have high hopes for success and championship aspirations. That will be affected greatly if Simmons isn’t on the floor contributing.
Philadelphia 76ers and Ben Simmons feud continues
Simmons has expressed his stance to management in a meeting that took place in late August. As a result, he has had no direct contact with the 76ers for weeks, per sources. He has signed a four-year multi-million dollar max contract including $33 million for the 2021-22 NBA season. This can alter now that Simmons is sitting out so the financial implications have yet to be determined; however, he understands there can be financial implications going forward. Teams have done so in the past, the 76ers can force his hand by fining him a substantial amount of his salary. Especially if he continues to hold out during the season only to test his willingness to stay away.
It is no secret that Simmons has requested several trades throughout the league since the end of the 2021 playoffs. The 76ers disagreed with the offers presented. Therefore, they hesitated to pull the trigger on the signing. They wanted to hold on to him in hopes they would later reassess the issue and improve his trade value.
The Sixers president Daryl Morey and head coach Doc Rivers have told Simmons they would like him to come to training camp and be on the floor to help carry the load with All-NBA center Joel Embiid.
The Sixers have the ability to withhold Simmons’ salary if a player fails to provide services due to the collective bargaining agreement. Philly has its own rules set aside that include fines for missing media day and every practice missed. The final measure end in a suspension from the organization due to “failing to render services”. Simmons is potentially looking at a $227,613 deficit to his account for each game missed.
