NBA Trade Rumors: 5 players who need to be moved at the deadline

2. Ben Simmons – Philadelphia 76ers

I used to sympathize with Ben Simmons. After his disastrous playoffs last season I thought he would bounce back as LeBron did in 2011-12. Simmons’ talent and playstyle had me believing he would have a monstrous season this year and make up for what happened against the Hawks in Game 7.

I couldn’t have been more wrong.

Instead of using this as an opportunity to move forward, Simmons has become the laughing stock of the NBA. All through the summer, we heard stories about how he had cut contact with the Sixers’ front office, how he wasn’t talking to teammates and was refusing to cooperate. It’s almost as though he thinks it’s Philly’s fault he screwed up in the Playoffs.

Ben has still not played a single second this season, saying he isn’t mentally ready. He needs to stop lying and just admit he’s being a child and crying because he isn’t getting what he wants. He’s hurt his team, as his trade value has dropped significantly and he has 3.5 years of a max contract left on his current deal.

It’s hard to predict when Ben Simmons will be booted out of Philly, but the sooner it happens the better.