Things have gone from bad to worse between the Sixers and Ben Simmons, as an ESPN report from Adrian Wojnarowski published Tuesday states that Simmons plans to ‘never play another game for the organization.’
Woj adds that Simmons is "clearly aware of sanctions available to the organizations to fine and suspend him, including withholding salary."
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.
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Bleacher Report's Jason Dumas also reports that the Sixers signed off on a Simmons for James Harden trade last season, which has been a point of contention. Plus, Simmons is well aware of the how city feels about him now, as organized groups were planning to go boo him in Camden during training camp.
With the two sides seemingly both digging 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.
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 forcing him to come and dealing with all of the issues that would come with him reporting to 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 is going to be a massive distraction if it continues into the new season.
You can reach Eliot Shorr-Parks on Twitter at @EliotShorrParks or email him at esp@94wip.com!
