NBA Rumors: Ben Simmons reportedly tells Philadelphia 76ers brass that he doesn’t want to meet with them.
The summer of Ben Simmons continues.
According to a recent report, the Philadelphia 76ers were ready to meet with Simmons (presumably to try and smooth things over) but they were denied a meeting. Simmons wants a trade and didn’t want them to make the trip because he wasn’t going to change his mind.
Earlier this week, Sixers coach Doc Rivers appeared on ESPN’s First Take and stated the team wanted Simmons back. Thus far, at least from what’s been reported, that message has not been received kindly by Simmons’ camp.
The two sides reportedly haven’t had much communication all summer long and Simmons has been consistent with his stance that he wants out of Philly. Though, the Sixers have also made it clear that they’re not going to trade Simmons just for the sake of trading him.
They have a steep asking price for Simmons and are not willing to trade him unless a team comes forward that is willing to meet their demands.
Because of that, the Simmons and Sixers appear at a standstill.
Simmons doesn’t appear like a player that is going to report to camp next week and that leaves the Sixers in an awkward spot. They could choose to fine Simmons but there’s a great chance that would further fracture the relationship between the two sides.
The Simmons and the Sixers are running out of time and options. Philadelphia needs to prove that it’s ready to either play the season without Simmons or keep him away from the team for an entire season (assuming Simmons is ready to sit out). The Sixers would be a shell of themselves last season and it would make no sense for them to go this route, quite frankly.
At the same rate, Simmons has to decide that he’s willing to risk paychecks and sit out out an entire season. I’m not entirely sure he’s there yet.
Either way, as training camps are set to open in the next few days, this narrative should be one to keep a close eye on. Which side will blink first?