Things have rapidly progressed in the now-concluded standoff between the Philadelphia 76ers and NBA All-Star Ben Simmons. The two sides have seemingly been at a stalemate for weeks as Simmons requested a trade from the team, but the 76ers were waiting things out for a better deal.
Philadelphia had a sky-high asking price for Simmons which teams were unwilling to meet. But, Simmons remained away from the organization as he waited to see which team he would be traded to.
Before the 76ers tipped off against the Brooklyn Nets in their preseason matchup, Simmons reportedly flew to Philadelphia and arrived at the arena to take his COVID-19 test and the organization was unaware of his intent to do so. The full details were reported by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Earlier on Monday, Wojnarowski reported that the Philadelphia 76ers will continue canvassing the league for trades, but the likelihood of him reporting has increased in recent days. Now, that return has happened.
LATEST NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Ben Simmons Is “Mentally Exhausted” By Philadelphia 76ers Amid Trade Talk
Just because Simmons is reporting does not mean that he will be suiting up for the 76ers in games any time soon. He has been away from the team for a while, so he probably needs to get up to speed conditioning-wise. There’s still more that needs to be sorted out.
Also, this could very well be happening so that Simmons receives his money. The Philadelphia 76ers were well within their rights to fine him for skipping training camp, preseason and regular-season games had it gotten to that point. They were withholding some of his salary already and it likely got a point that Simmons wanted to get paid.
If he reports, he will receive his payments, but he doesn’t have to play. He could remain sidelined, saying that he is injured as he awaits a deal to be made.
LATEST NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Ben Simmons Is “Mentally Exhausted” By Philadelphia 76ers Amid Trade Talk
At this point, trading him would still likely be the best course of action for both sides. Ben Simmons has made his stance very clear. His return will come with plenty of awkwardness, as both sides have reportedly said some damning things.
