Things have gone from bad to worse between the Sixers and Ben Simmons, according to an ESPN report published Tuesday stating that he plans to 'never play another game for the organization.'
This report comes on the heels of a Philly Voice report that Simmons' relationship with head coach Doc Rivers (and the team overall) is still a major issue. The report also stated that the Sixers plan to keep Simmons unless they get a true difference maker in return.
With both sides seeming to dig their heels in, the question now is what comes next?
The Sixers can fine and suspend Simmons if he doesn’t come to training camp when it starts at the end of the month. Simmons, however, is on a five-year, $177 million contract — meaning the fines might not be enough to convince him to come back to Philadelphia.
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Chances are Simmons will eventually report if the Sixers continue to fine him, but the team has to wonder if they would be better off trading Simmons now and moving on from him as opposed to dealing with all the issues that would come from forcing him to show up for a team he doesn’t want to play for.
What the Sixers will do remains to be seen, but one thing is very clear: This situation is only going to get worse the longer it drags out, and it will be a major distraction if it continues into the new season.
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You can reach Eliot Shorr-Parks on Twitter at @EliotShorrParks or email him at esp@94wip.com!
