Woj Bomb: Ben Simmons Intends to Never Play for 76ers Again
Well this is fun! A massive Woj Bomb dropped on Philadelphia moments ago from ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, who is reporting that Ben Simmons will indeed not report to 76ers training camp and intends to never play another game for the franchise.
Woj reports Simmons has not spoken to the franchise since late August and is well aware of the repercussions that would result from missing training camp, which begins on Tuesday, Sept. 28.
Much like a wide open dunk in a crucial game 7, Simmons will likely be passing on the rest of his 76ers career.
ESPN Sources: Philadelphia 76ers All-Star Ben Simmons will not report for opening of training camp next week and intends to never play another game for the franchise. Simmons hasn’t spoken to team since a late August meeting when he communicated this message to Sixers officials.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 21, 2021
Simmons is clearly aware of sanctions available to organization to fine and suspend him, including withholding of salary. But so far, Simmons appears willing to carry out a plan of forcing his way to a new team. Sixers have yet to find a a trade they’re willing to make for him. https://t.co/vxSrBUWjXw
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 21, 2021
This is a vast difference from what was reported by Tom Moore of the Bucks County Courier Times last week. According to one of Moore’s sources, the 76ers were expecting Simmons to show up for training camp after being unable to move the talented but mercurial Philadelphia point guard.
If Simmons does not report to training camp the team can fine him for his absence. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said the team could fine him upwards of $1.3 million if he misses the entirety of training camp.
So what now? The Sixers control Simmons for the next four years, as he’s only in the second year of a five year, $177.2 million contract he signed in 2020. He’s due to make $33 million for the 2021-2022 season.
But adding to the complexity of the situation, the 76ers are due to pay him half of what he’s owed for the year on Friday, Oct. 1. This adds up to $16.1 million.
It’s an interesting conundrum for 76ers GM Daryl Morey. Do you try to call the bluff of an all-star player who is trying to force his way out of town and tell him he won’t be moved unless a perfect deal comes around? What if one doesn’t materialize? Will Simmons swallow his pride and realize the Sixers can force him to sit for the next four seasons? Or will the Sixers realize the championship window of Joel Embiid won’t be open forever and it may be a prudent decision to get ANYTHING they can for the belligerent point guard?
Who will blink first? Whatever happens I’m sure we’ll all be very disappointed by the outcome. I can’t see this working out for the 76ers.
We can never have nice things in Philadelphia.