In the opening segment of Wednesday's ESPN First Take, Stephen A. Smith began the show discussing the Ben Simmons situation in Philadelphia.
Smith mentioned, specifically, the Blazers as a possible trade partner for the Sixers. The two sides, according to Smith, have discussed a deal that involved C.J. McCollum, Robert Covington, and draft picks going to Philadelphia for Simmons. Ultimately, Smith says, the Sixers weren't ready to pull the trigger on that deal.
Sixers head coach Doc Rivers joined the show on Wednesday morning as well, explaining that while Simmons has expressed he wants out, the 76ers want him back.
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On Tuesday, PhillyVoice's Kyle Neubeck reported that Simmons is unable to forgive Rivers for his comments following the Sixers' Game 7 elimination loss to the Hawks, where Rivers said he was not sure if Simmons was able to be a point guard on a championship team.
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And then later yesterday, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Simmons does not plan to play another game for the 76ers, adding that Simmons is "clearly aware of sanctions available to the organizations to fine and suspend him, including withholding salary."
Simmons, 25, is under contract through the 2024-25 season, where his base salary ranges from $33 million this season to $40.3 million in the final season of the deal.
