Main Rumors – Page 624 – Syndication Server

Kyrie Irving yet to receive COVID vaccine shot?

Two days after Sean Marks told the media he’s “confident” that his team will meet league and city standards on COVID vaccinations by Opening Night, Yaron Weitzman of FOX Sports reports that Irving “has yet to receive a vaccine shot,” citing “multiple league sources,” not further identified. Specifically, here’s what Weitzman reported Thursday afternoon, as part of a larger piece on the status of the NBA’s vaccination policies days before the opening of training camp… According to multiple league sources, Irving has yet to receive a vaccine shot. Both the Nets and a spokeswoman for Irving declined to comment on the record

Source: Net Income @ NetsDaily

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
Kyrie Irving reportedly unvaccinated, could miss Nets home games nba.nbcsports.com/2021/09/23/kyr… – 5:25 PM

Anthony Puccio @APOOCH
Love him or hate him: Kyrie Irving is one of the most compelling athletes in our time. – 4:21 PM

Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
Unvaccinated #NBA players could be sidelined in some markets in 2021-22 season. This report cites multiple sources saying Kyrie Irving is among them. #Nets foxsports.com/stories/nba/un… – 3:41 PM

Stefan Bondy @SBondyNYDN
Kyrie Irving is among the unvaccinated players, per ⁦@Yaron Weitzman⁩ foxsports.com/stories/nba/un… – 3:23 PM

Sean Highkin @highkin
“One player who could be affected is Nets guard Kyrie Irving. According to multiple league sources, Irving has yet to receive a vaccine shot.” foxsports.com/stories/nba/un… – 3:12 PM

David Aldridge @davidaldridgedc
With NBA camps opening next week, updates on a number of key players returning or still rehabbing injuries-from Klay Thompson to Joel Embiid to Kyrie Irving and James Harden-in @The Athletic: bit.ly/3o8hnRM – 12:00 PM

The Jump @_Talkin_NBA
ESPN’s #NBArank for the 21-22 season from 25 to 6:
25. Rudy Gobert
24. Karl-Anthony Towns
23. Zion Williamson
22. Jrue Holiday
21. Bam Adebayo
20. Kyrie Irving
19. Khris Middleton
18. Donovan Mitchell
17. Trae Young
16. Jimmy Butler
#NBATwitter – 8:55 AM

Emiliano Carchia @Sportando
Nets aiming to sign Harden, Irving to contract extensions in upcoming weeks
sportando.basketball/en/nets-aiming… – 9:33 AM

Tas Melas @TasMelas
The Super-Smitty from Kyrie. @Steve Smith pic.twitter.com/iuRs0Dpp5S – 11:43 PM

Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
Clock ticking on #Nets‘ Kyrie Irving, James Harden contract goal nypost.com/2021/09/21/clo… via @nypostsports teammate @PeterBotte – 8:23 PM

Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Sean Marks and Steve Nash met with the media today to preview the season. On the latest with Kyrie & Harden’s extension talks, Nic Claxton’s role and Marks’ talks with LaMarcus Aldridge as they discussed LA’s attempt to return to BK. Subscribe for 50% off: theathletic.com/2840326/2021/0… – 4:49 PM

Anthony Puccio @APOOCH
Sean Marks discussed extensions for both Kyrie Irving and James Harden: “We’ve had very positive conversations with both of those guys.”
Kevin Durant signed his 4-year extension in August. – 1:36 PM

Marc Stein @TheSteinLine
Nets GM Sean Marks, meeting with reporters today, continues to express optimism about reaching contract extensions with James Harden and Kyrie Irving after “very positive conversations” with both.
My latest, meanwhile, on the Ben Simmons saga is here: marcstein.substack.com/p/ben-simmons-… – 1:04 PM

Barbara Barker @meanbarb
Sean Marks said Kyrie and Harden both look great. Extension talks ongoing. No timetable. pic.twitter.com/EN39ghsKJH – 1:03 PM

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Michael Scotto @MikeAScotto
Brooklyn Nets GM Sean Marks on extensions for Kyrie Irving and James Harden: “We’ve had very positive conversations with both of those guys.” pic.twitter.com/ktZD8L7SEU – 1:03 PM

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Ian Begley @IanBegley
Nets GM Sean Marks says BKN has had ‘very positive’ conversations with both Kyrie Irving and James Harden about signing extensions. Says they are looking forward to continuing to talk to Irving and Harden about extensions over the next week or two. – 1:02 PM

Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Sean Marks on James Harden/Kyrie Irving extension talks: “We’ve had very positive conversations with both of those guys and their family members. It always helps to do those things in person.” Says they’re going to resume talks in the next 2 weeks or so. #Nets – 1:01 PM

Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
Sean Marks on extensions for Harden and Irving: “It always helps to do these things in person…We look forward to sitting down with them over the next few weeks.” #Nets – 1:01 PM

Adam Zagoria @AdamZagoria
Nets GM Sean Marks says he’s had “very positive conversations w/ both those guys’ — Kyrie Irving and James Harden — regarding contract extensions. Said he expects more talks in the coming weeks. – 1:01 PM

Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Sean Marks said both Kyrie Irving and James Harden look great physically. Says both are ready to go. Said he’s had positive conversations with both regarding contract extensions, hopes to sit down with them in person over the next two weeks to continue them. – 1:01 PM

Micah Adams @MicahAdams13
How awesome was @jj_redick at hitting seemingly impossible shots?
In 2017 I dug through mounds of player tracking data to find out who was the NBA’s best at making hard shots.
It wasn’t KD.
It wasn’t Steph.
It wasn’t Kyrie.
It wasn’t Harden.
It was JJ.
espn.com/nba/insider/st… – 9:27 AM

More on this storyline

James said his vaccination status was a “family” conversation and “private thing” when he was asked about it in May. Earlier in the month, former Laker point guard Dennis Schröder told a German-language publication that he and James were the only Lakers players who hadn’t received the vaccine, before later telling reporters he was the only Laker not vaccinated. Dwight Howard previously questioned the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccines during an Instagram Live in July 2020. Kent Bazemore also told reporters that he wasn’t planning on getting the vaccine. Back in March, when he was with the Warriors, he said he considered the decision a “lifestyle thing.” Pelinka did not name which players have yet to be vaccinated. -via The Athletic / September 24, 2021

Monte Poole: Sources: Andrew Wiggins has been in the Bay Area this month but is restricted to individual sessions at Chase Center. Under current SF protocols, if he isn’t fully vaccinated over next 20 days, those workouts will end. -via Twitter @MontePooleNBCS / September 23, 2021

Shams Charania: 90 percent of NBA players are currently fully vaccinated, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Player vaccination rate has been rising as training camps open next week. -via Twitter @ShamsCharania / September 23, 2021

Joel Embiid fully recovered from injury

Joel Embiid, 76ers (torn meniscus, knee): Embiid was hampered by the injury during Philly’s second-round seven-game series loss to the Hawks, but gutted it out to average 30.4 points and 12.7 rebounds against Atlanta. After a summer of rehab and …

Source: David Aldridge @ The Athletic

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

David Aldridge @davidaldridgedc
Camps open across the NBA next week, with numerous key players recovering or still rehabbing injuries from last year. Updates on Klay Thompson, Joel Embiid, James Harden & others, in @The Athletic: bit.ly/3o8hnRM – 9:33 AM

Nate Duncan @NateDuncanNBA
Joe Lacob tampered with Joel Embiid? – 7:44 PM

Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
Thinking about one of the many forgotten subplots of the burner account saga: Embiid getting repeatedly disparaged to prop up Simmons (who was drafted by Colangelo) pic.twitter.com/b7ob5Ryddd – 9:31 PM

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Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
Simmons news is mostly maintaining status quo. Still, it just reinforces how the only real reason the franchise is relevant is because of Joel Embiid. All the decisions, from ownership to management, to players not developing, threaten to waste Embiid’s prime, an unforgivable sin – 12:21 PM

Anthony Puccio @APOOCH
Philly’s starting lineup in 2018-19:
1. Ben Simmons
2. J.J. Redick
3. Jimmy Butler
4. Tobias Harris
5. Joel Embiid
Two remain. Backcourt owns the NBA headlines today. – 12:20 PM

More on this storyline

Justin Grasso: Daryl Morey says that Joel Embiid has been in the gym working on his game. The #Sixers are not concerned about his knee at all -via Twitter @JGrasso_ / July 30, 2021

Noah Levick: Daryl Morey on Joel Embiid: “Joel’s been in the gym. … He has a plan with our medical staff. We are not concerned about him medically at all.” Morey declined to answer the question of whether Embiid would have surgery on his meniscus. -via Twitter @NoahLevick / July 30, 2021

Andrew Wiggins still against taking the vaccine

There’s increasing concern among the Warriors about the early-season availability of starting small forward Andrew Wiggins, who has declined to get vaccinated against the coronavirus, according to NBA sources. Source: Rusty Simmons @ San Francisco …

Source: Rusty Simmons @ San Francisco Chronicle

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

The Vertical @YahooSportsNBA
Report: Warriors are worried Andrew Wiggins will miss time because he refuses to get vaccinated.
➡️ yhoo.it/3u5Cvcz pic.twitter.com/Ki1oKupcdV – 11:20 PM

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Monte Poole @MontePooleNBCS
ICYMI: If Wiggins is not fully vaccinated by Oct. 13, Warriors could have home-court DISadvantage due to San Francisco COVID protocols. nbcsports.com/bayarea/warrio… – 10:40 PM

Sean Highkin @highkin
Wiggins still not going to the David Guetta concert is concerning for the Warriors… – 10:40 PM

Chris Sheridan @sheridanhoops
I have a hard time believing that Ben Simmons will NOT be traded before training camp opens. The way I see it, deal to #Rockets for John Wall or to #Warriors for Andrew Wiggins most likely. #Sixers may be forced to include Tyrese Maxey, a Rich Paul client. Houston has extra picks – 5:40 AM

More on this storyline

San Francisco requires full vaccination to be allowed indoors for entertainment, including large events like NBA games at 18,000-seat Chase Center. New York City is the only other NBA market currently facing such restrictions. League sources believe the NBA will grant Wiggins a religious exemption, but San Francisco has the power to override it inside the city. -via San Francisco Chronicle / September 23, 2021

The Warriors recently connected Wiggins with an Oakland doctor who understands issues surrounding vaccine hesitancy, sources said. The doctor explained the suffering and deaths she has witnessed in patients who contracted the coronavirus, sources said, but Wiggins remains unmoved in his decision against vaccination. -via San Francisco Chronicle / September 23, 2021

Joe Mussatto: The Thunder will require full or partial COVID vaccinations for fans, or a negative test 72 hours prior to a game, the team announced. -via Twitter @joe_mussatto / September 21, 2021

Joel Embiid believes Ben Simmons situation can be fixed

Though it doesn’t look good right now, the Sixers continue to insist that their preferred outcome at this point is to bring Simmons back and try to work through this. Embiid has publicly stumped for Simmons and privately insisted they can turn this around if they simply get him back in the gym and around the team. Rivers does not believe this will be an issue in the locker room, using an example from his own playing days to show these situations can be rectified.
Source: Philly Voice

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Nate Duncan @NateDuncanNBA
Joe Lacob tampered with Joel Embiid? – 7:44 PM

Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
You don’t trade *for* Wall at this stage of his career, you use him to match salary so you can get a slew of picks, which you would eventually package for the running mate you actually want for Embiid.
But we’ve already seen that Stone doesn’t value Simmons enough for that IMO. – 11:58 AM

More on this storyline

The Simmons-Rivers relationship has been one of many issues in question as this has played out over the summer. Sources with knowledge of the situation have noted throughout the offseason that mending that relationship would be one of the most important steps toward potentially making this work, even if temporarily, and there has been little-to-no progress on that front. Simmons’ buy-in has been described as “low” or “non-existent” by team sources in recent weeks, with the head coach and player rarely speaking since the season ended in late June. -via Philly Voice / September 23, 2021

It almost goes without saying that bridge-building would need to be done between Simmons and Doc Rivers. The head coach tried to walk back the despair he showed after Game 7 during exit interviews the very next day, and his defenses of Simmons far outnumber his one high-profile shoulder shrug. Even still, getting the two to connect during the offseason has been close to impossible, sources say. Ultimately, this is in Simmons’ hands. Rivers would tell you himself that he regrets letting his guard down during Simmons’ lowest moment as a professional. Some missteps are just harder to come back from than others. -via Philly Voice / September 22, 2021

Kyle Neubeck: One detail I left out from this was the suggestion from a team source that firing Rich Paul (however unlikely) would be one way for Ben to try to rectify what some view as a self-created problem. “He could just say, ‘my agent talked me into this stupid fucking strategy.'” -via Twitter @KyleNeubeck / September 22, 2021

Doc Rivers wants to convince Ben Simmons to stay

Philadelphia 76ers coach Doc Rivers wants to change Ben Simmons’ mind. According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the star guard has told the team that he will not report to training camp next week and does not plan to play for the franchise again. “Well, I hope we can change that thought,” Rivers said on ESPN’s Keyshawn, JWill, and Max on Wednesday morning. “That’s part of our job.”

Source: ESPN

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
Doc Rivers is on First Take on ESPN. Couple of takeaways:
-PHI isn’t giving up on Ben Simmons
-Rivers confirmed Simmons has told 76ers leadership that he wants out
-Rivers says “We would love to get Ben back…We want him back.”
-His post-G7 remarks on Simmons were misrepresented – 10:52 AM

Henry Abbott @TrueHoop
When this is all done, Ben Simmons will need some Ted Lasso-style love. @David Thorpe has the plan to get Simmons back on the path to superstardom. truehoop.com/p/healing-ben-… pic.twitter.com/Zxy2S9cd8j – 10:18 AM

Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
Just upset that the #sixers missed the opportunity to put Ben Simmons on the press release photos, because as fans of this franchise know, the Sixers putting a non-shooting point guard on promo material means a trade is imminent. – 8:45 AM

Ric Bucher @RicBucher
Warriors owner Joe Lacob is almost certain to get fined for his comments about Ben Simmons, but he may have some internal fence-mending to do as well… shows.acast.com/bucher-and-fri… via @acast – 3:10 AM

Emiliano Carchia @Sportando
Joe Lacob on Ben Simmons: In some ways, it doesn’t really fit what we’re doing
sportando.basketball/en/joe-lacob-o… – 2:43 AM

Christopher Hine @ChristopherHine
Writing a few things on today’s happenings… Ben Simmons trade demands should look familiar to Timberwolves fans. strib.mn/3kpTOBP – 10:45 PM

Sopan Deb @SopanDeb
sixers reddit taking the ben simmons news well pic.twitter.com/QhLMaRHAs4 – 9:05 PM

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Tony Jones @Tjonesonthenba
I never thought we would see something more hostile to a former player than LeBron going back to Cleveland, in my eyes and opinion, but ben Simmons going back to Philly for the first time is gonna be a doozy – 8:10 PM

Micah Adams @MicahAdams13
Ben Simmons is unquestionably in the wrong.
Ben Simmons is unquestionably in need of a serious come to Jesus moment.
Ben Simmons is unquestionably an all-time buy-low guy. Every GM should be licking their chops over the possibility of landing him for 20 cents on the dollar. – 6:54 PM

Adam Zagoria @AdamZagoria
FWIW: ⁦@Keith Pompey⁩
Had the
Ben Simmons story 3 weeks ago inquirer.com/sixers/76ers-b… – 6:06 PM

Bobby Marks @BobbyMarks42
Front office look at the Ben Simmons situation in Philadelphia and what to expect. instagram.com/tv/CUGSMBll8yt… – 5:12 PM

Vincent Goodwill @VinceGoodwill
A relationship that needs to end on both sides: Ben Simmons and the 76ers pic.twitter.com/3CazquPMXW – 3:53 PM

Brad Turner @BA_Turner
Check out my guys @Andrew Greif and @Dan Woike and me in @latimessports on? Could the Ben Simmons’ hot mess lead to a trade with the Lakers or Clippers? latimes.com/sports/story/2… – 3:53 PM

Sirius XM NBA @SiriusXMNBA
According to reports, Ben Simmons will not report to training camp & intends to never play for the #76ers again.
@Amin Elhassan believes Simmons showing up to camp might actually help him get traded sooner rather than later. #HereTheyCome pic.twitter.com/V7F4HARJzo – 3:50 PM

Emiliano Carchia @Sportando
Ben Simmons’ contract structured for him to receive 50% of his salary before Oct. 1 sportando.basketball/en/ben-simmons… – 3:09 PM

Kamenetzky Brothers @KamBrothers
Ben Simmons just cutting the checks if the Sixers fine him for holding out would be the truest definition of “fuck you” money. AK – 2:37 PM

Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
Report: 76ers won’t authorize Ben Simmons sitting out until trade nba.nbcsports.com/2021/09/21/rep… – 2:30 PM

Adrian Wojnarowski @wojespn
ESPN story on the looming showdown between Ben Simmons and the 76ers: espn.com/nba/story/_/id… – 2:30 PM

Jabari Davis @JabariDavisNBA
In all of this Ben Simmons stuff, I just hope this lady is doing alright. She’s the true victim here. pic.twitter.com/RDzzLfyzlI – 2:19 PM

Jeff Zillgitt @JeffZillgitt
Beyond withholding salary from Ben Simmons for not fulfilling terms of his contract, the Sixers can use mechanisms in the CBA such as fines/suspensions to further penalize Simmons if he doesn’t honor team commitments. – 1:56 PM

Zach Lowe @ZachLowe_NBA
Lowe Post podcast: @Bobby Marks on the “death” of superstar free agency, potential CBA tweaks, Ben Simmons, Celts mini-preview; then @ Jon Krawczynski+ I react to latest Simmons news, Wolves interest, Minny preview:
Spotify: spoti.fi/3tXJXX7
Apple: apple.co/2Xzsrwn – 1:55 PM

Kerith Burke @KerithBurke
I have the nicest takes ever and they boil down to wanting everyone to be happy. Do your thing, Ben Simmons, if you think you can make it work. – 1:33 PM

Dane Moore @DaneMooreNBA
I see many people reference the Timberwolves Jimmy Butler package as the floor of what the Sixers could get for Ben Simmons.
Covington: Traded for 2 1sts the next season
Saric: Traded that summer with the No. 11 pick to move up to No. 6
I’d say that’s 3 protected 1sts of value pic.twitter.com/X4eFLR4t3P – 1:15 PM

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Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Ben Simmons is out here trolling at this point pic.twitter.com/2SzU19GyI2 – 1:12 PM

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Jon Johnson @jonjohnsonwip
We all need a laugh. Ben Simmons won’t be reporting to camp. What is your reaction as a Sixers fan? – 12:53 PM

Andrew Sharp @andrewsharp
All things considered, Ben Simmons might be the least cool pro athlete of my entire life – 12:48 PM

Marc Stein @TheSteinLine
Ben Simmons has made it clear he doesn’t want to spend another second as a Sixer. The freshly dispatched Tuesday newsletter extravaganza goes deep on the latest in the Simmons saga: marcstein.substack.com/p/ben-simmons-…
All it takes is an email to get this direct in your inbox every Tuesday. – 12:45 PM

Kamenetzky Brothers @KamBrothers
Until Ben Simmons says he’s willing to play on Pluto ahead of the Sixers, not impressed. AK – 12:42 PM

Tim Reynolds @ByTimReynolds
Ben Simmons, last four seasons: 15.9 points, 8.1 rebounds and 7.7 assists.
Only other players to do that over the last four years: Westbrook, Jokic, LeBron, Luka.
But then there’s this: They’ve also made 1,766 3’s in that span.
Simmons has made five. – 12:31 PM

Micah Adams @MicahAdams13
Ben Simmons contract
2021-22: $33.0M
2022-23: $35.5M
2023-24: $37.9M
2024-25: $40.3M
He also has a 15% trade kicker according to @spotrac. – 12:27 PM

The Ringer @ringernba
The Sixers and Ben Simmons trying to see who’s going to give in first pic.twitter.com/GcGqZxY2Je – 12:27 PM

David Locke @DLocke09
LOCKED ON JAZZ – Why NBA West is Wide Open. Tony Jones on Ben Simmons and Los Angeles Lakers. Always fun to be with @Tony Jones youtu.be/e7znzcchNsE via @YouTube – 12:23 PM

Emiliano Carchia @Sportando
Ben Simmons won’t report to 76ers training camp, intends to never play another game for the team sportando.basketball/en/simmons-won… – 12:21 PM

Tommy Beer @TommyBeer
Doc Rivers reaching out to Ben Simmons pic.twitter.com/oZn2DFgY2B – 12:19 PM

Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
Report: Ben Simmons insists he’ll never play for 76ers again nba.nbcsports.com/2021/09/21/rep… – 12:18 PM

Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
It’s disappointing to see the Ben Simmons era end this way. So much talent, really an elite defender and playmaker, but it’s also on him to add to his game and the refusal to take any jumpers is something that will hold him back. – 12:16 PM

Jake Madison @NOLAJake
Would the 76ers entertain Draymond Green in a trade package for Ben Simmons at all? – 12:11 PM

Michael Lee @MrMichaelLee
Ben Simmons sank the 76ers’ championship hopes by refusing to shoot & has now tanked his trade value by refusing to show up. He has some legit gripes about being thrown under the bus after his flop but Philly won’t forgive him for running from accountability for his own failings. – 12:04 PM

The Jump @_Talkin_NBA
When will Ben Simmons be traded?
#NBATwitter – 12:02 PM

Kane Pitman @KanePitman
To me, the height of the silliness when it comes to Ben Simmons slander is when we talk about not wanting to trade one of the Sacramento guys for him. You’re talking about a guy who has been an all-star in three of four seasons and is an all-world defender. – 12:00 PM

Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
It appears that Ben Simmons’ time in Philadelphia will be coming to a close pretty soon #Sixers sixerswire.usatoday.com/2021/09/21/rep… via @SixersWire – 11:57 AM

Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
In light of the latest Woj tweets, it’s a good time to bump this morning’s reporting from me on Ben Simmons, the team’s stance on trading him, and their expectation that some sort of holdout was certainly coming phillyvoice.com/ben-simmons-la… – 11:47 AM

Jon Hamm @JonMHamm
The Sixers organization probably could have handled this Ben Simmons situation worse. Maybe flying a plane over Philly with a banner that says “we hate you, Ben” or some such. – 11:46 AM

Adrian Wojnarowski @wojespn
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. – 11:43 AM

More on this storyline

Marc Farzetta: “We hear it all, but we’re not going to give up on that…I just love how [Ben Simmons] plays. I love a lot of the things that he does for the team…but we have to go through all this to get him back” -Sixers Coach Doc Rivers on @FirstTake -via Twitter / September 22, 2021

While Rivers wants to change the narrative, he hasn’t had much of a chance this offseason. He was asked how much he’s talked to Simmons. “Not much, but we’ve had some,” he said. “And I get his feelings. I understand where he’s at right now, but we’re going to keep trying to work on it to get him in the right place.” -via ESPN / September 22, 2021

It is clear Simmons wants out though and when you consider that alongside his poor form in the playoffs, the Sixers have little leverage to work with and the offers have reflected that. “The Sixers are yet to find a deal they are willing to do,” Wojnarowski said. “They want Ben Simmons in camp, they want to see his trade value improve and then find a deal out in the marketplace but right now they are going to do it with him on the sidelines because his intention now is to not play another game for that organisation. -via FOXSports.com / September 22, 2021

Celtics sign Theo Pinson

Adrian Wojnarowski: Free agent G Theo Pinson will go to training camp with the Boston Celtics, sources tell ESPN. Pinson spent parts of his first three NBA seasons with the Nets and Knicks. Source: Twitter @wojespn What’s the buzz on Twitter? Brian …

Adrian Wojnarowski: Free agent G Theo Pinson will go to training camp with the Boston Celtics, sources tell ESPN. Pinson spent parts of his first three NBA seasons with the Nets and Knicks.

Source: Twitter @wojespn

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Brian Robb @BrianTRobb
The latest on #Celtics bringing in Theo Pinson on training camp deal via @SouichiTerada masslive.com/celtics/2021/0… – 11:23 AM

Emiliano Carchia @Sportando
Celtics to add Theo Pinson to Summer League roster
sportando.basketball/en/celtics-to-… – 11:14 AM

Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
The Celtics now have one open spot on their training camp roster, after adding Theo Pinson. – 11:10 AM

Adrian Wojnarowski @wojespn
Free agent G Theo Pinson will go to training camp with the Boston Celtics, sources tell ESPN. Pinson spent parts of his first three NBA seasons with the Nets and Knicks. – 11:03 AM

More on this storyline

Marc Berman: Theo Pinson, a vibrant joy in locker room & bench, has joined the defending champs. Pinson will play for Milwaukee’s summer-league team. Pinson is in 4th season & can’t be back on 2-way with Knicks – as much as Leon Rose would love to have him. Knicks hold a 2-way spot open. -via Twitter @NYPost_Berman / August 6, 2021

Damian lillard held back from trade demand by loyalty to Portland, past statements?

There are many who believed then and continue to insist now that Damian Lillard was about ready to ask out; a source with knowledge of the situation believes Lillard is held back by both his loyalty to Portland and an unwillingness to go back on things he’s already said about sticking things out. He ultimately decided to give this another go, and Lillard has been provided roster upgrades and had a big voice in the coaching search. He may still ask out down the road, but only time will tell how long this honeymoon lasts.

Source: Philly Voice

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Micah Adams @MicahAdams13
What’s the best deal Philly could have made for Simmons pre-draft?
I know Morey wants Lillard or Beal. And his track record speaks for itself.
But comparing a likely haul now to one back in July is truly remarkable. – 10:05 PM

Damian Lillard @Dame_Lillard
Dame D.O.L.L.A. – Him Duncan (Official Video)
🎥 youtu.be/bGxMJLPFAS4 via @YouTube – 7:53 PM

Damian Lillard @Dame_Lillard
Dame D.O.L.L.A. – We The Ones (feat. Blxst and Tree Thomas)
🎥 youtu.be/7qw1IMuaB-M via @YouTube – 7:52 PM

Damian Lillard @Dame_Lillard
Dame D.O.L.L.A. – The Juice (feat. Jane Handcock)
🎥 youtu.be/R7nzJYrrNkA via @YouTube – 7:52 PM

Damian Lillard @Dame_Lillard
Dame D.O.L.L.A. featuring Dreebo – Home Team (Official Music Video)
🎥 youtu.be/SlN9qCygm1I via @YouTube – 7:52 PM

Damian Lillard @Dame_Lillard
Dame D.O.L.L.A. – GOAT Spirit feat. Raphael Saadiq
🎥 youtu.be/gpq8UeJ-p_4 via @YouTube – 7:50 PM

NBA Math @NBA_Math
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FULL BREAKDOWN⬇️ pic.twitter.com/5jnGpZOrEf – 6:45 PM

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Damian Lillard @Dame_Lillard
Different On Levels The Lord Allowed by Dame D.O.L.L.A. music.empi.re/differentonlev… – 11:55 AM

Damian Lillard @Dame_Lillard
Shoutout to @esquire for having me on Explain This.
🎥 youtu.be/kwTuGXjchmQ pic.twitter.com/PRiGuCtWR5 – 6:03 PM

Damian Lillard @Dame_Lillard
#RipCity is my city.
R.C.O.T.A.
If you know, you know!
🛒 adidas.com/us/dame-7-extp… pic.twitter.com/W2SdMEP5q4 – 1:56 PM

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Damian Lillard @Dame_Lillard
All the visuals off my new album…
🎥: youtube.com/playlist?list=…
What track should I drop a video for next?
#DameDOLLA pic.twitter.com/Nk8SL7Nvmd – 1:39 PM

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Damian Lillard @Dame_Lillard
Harbaugh literally said “Lamar! You wana go for this?” Lol … – 11:24 PM

Howard Chen @TheHoChen
The #Texans have shown so much fight in these first two games. So much more sound fundamentally too compared to last year – 3:52 PM

Damian Lillard @Dame_Lillard
Let’s go Ruggs!!!! – 3:39 PM

Damian Lillard @Dame_Lillard
Carr just got hit below the knee 3 seconds after the pass and they didn’t call shit. Now they gone call that… smh – 3:05 PM

Justin Kubatko @jkubatko
🎂 Happy 30th birthday to CJ McCollum!
📊 528 GP, 18.9 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 3.3 APG
🎯 45.5 FG%, 39.8 3P%, 82.6 FT%
🏆 2016 MIP
McCollum is one of only three players to average 20+ PPG with 150+ 3PM in each of the last six seasons (Damian Lillard and Paul George). pic.twitter.com/KBHsVELkH3 – 12:42 PM

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More on this storyline

Damian Lillard: Back for more… #RipCity is my city -via Instagram / September 8, 2021

The 76ers were widely believed to be holding out for a chance to acquire Damian Lillard from the Portland Trail Blazers, but Lillard recently said he isn’t leaving Portland, “not right now at least.” As for Sacramento, sources have suggested the 76ers would only be willing to consider an offer that includes De’Aaron Fox or Tyrese Haliburton. The Kings are unlikely to part with either player, but they can offer Buddy Hield, a prolific 3-point shooter who would space the floor for Joel Embiid; Marvin Bagley III, a former No. 2 pick who has yet to reach his potential; and other assets, including multiple first-round draft picks. -via Sacramento Bee / August 31, 2021

The belief around the league is the Sixers have been holding out for six-time All-NBA point guard Damian Lillard to request a trade from the Portland Trail Blazers. But Lillard said, “I’m not leaving [Portland] — not right now at least” on Wednesday during an Instagram Live stream. -via The Philadelphia Inquirer / August 31, 2021

Rich Paul willing to play hardball on Ben Simmons trade demand?

Paul, who also manages Anthony Davis, LeBron James and Trae Young, has built a $2.7 billion empire and knows how to get what he wants. “I talked to Rich Paul,” former NBA player Jay Williams told ‘Bart & Hahn’. “He was the one that told me: ‘We want …

Source: Andrew Jackson @ FOXSports.com

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Christopher Hine @ChristopherHine
Writing a few things on today’s happenings… Ben Simmons trade demands should look familiar to Timberwolves fans. strib.mn/3kpTOBP – 10:45 PM

Sopan Deb @SopanDeb
sixers reddit taking the ben simmons news well pic.twitter.com/QhLMaRHAs4 – 9:05 PM

Adam Zagoria @AdamZagoria
FWIW: ⁦@Keith Pompey⁩
Had the
Ben Simmons story 3 weeks ago inquirer.com/sixers/76ers-b… – 6:06 PM

Bobby Marks @BobbyMarks42
Front office look at the Ben Simmons situation in Philadelphia and what to expect. instagram.com/tv/CUGSMBll8yt… – 5:12 PM

Vincent Goodwill @VinceGoodwill
A relationship that needs to end on both sides: Ben Simmons and the 76ers pic.twitter.com/3CazquPMXW – 3:53 PM

Emiliano Carchia @Sportando
Ben Simmons’ contract structured for him to receive 50% of his salary before Oct. 1 sportando.basketball/en/ben-simmons… – 3:09 PM

Kamenetzky Brothers @KamBrothers
Ben Simmons just cutting the checks if the Sixers fine him for holding out would be the truest definition of “fuck you” money. AK – 2:37 PM

Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
Report: 76ers won’t authorize Ben Simmons sitting out until trade nba.nbcsports.com/2021/09/21/rep… – 2:30 PM

Adrian Wojnarowski @wojespn
ESPN story on the looming showdown between Ben Simmons and the 76ers: espn.com/nba/story/_/id… – 2:30 PM

Jabari Davis @JabariDavisNBA
In all of this Ben Simmons stuff, I just hope this lady is doing alright. She’s the true victim here. pic.twitter.com/RDzzLfyzlI – 2:19 PM

Kerith Burke @KerithBurke
I have the nicest takes ever and they boil down to wanting everyone to be happy. Do your thing, Ben Simmons, if you think you can make it work. – 1:33 PM

Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Ben Simmons is out here trolling at this point pic.twitter.com/2SzU19GyI2 – 1:12 PM

Jon Johnson @jonjohnsonwip
We all need a laugh. Ben Simmons won’t be reporting to camp. What is your reaction as a Sixers fan? – 12:53 PM

Andrew Sharp @andrewsharp
All things considered, Ben Simmons might be the least cool pro athlete of my entire life – 12:48 PM

Kamenetzky Brothers @KamBrothers
Until Ben Simmons says he’s willing to play on Pluto ahead of the Sixers, not impressed. AK – 12:42 PM

Micah Adams @MicahAdams13
Ben Simmons contract
2021-22: $33.0M
2022-23: $35.5M
2023-24: $37.9M
2024-25: $40.3M
He also has a 15% trade kicker according to @spotrac. – 12:27 PM

The Ringer @ringernba
The Sixers and Ben Simmons trying to see who’s going to give in first pic.twitter.com/GcGqZxY2Je – 12:27 PM

David Locke @DLocke09
LOCKED ON JAZZ – Why NBA West is Wide Open. Tony Jones on Ben Simmons and Los Angeles Lakers. Always fun to be with @Tony Jones youtu.be/e7znzcchNsE via @YouTube – 12:23 PM

Emiliano Carchia @Sportando
Ben Simmons won’t report to 76ers training camp, intends to never play another game for the team sportando.basketball/en/simmons-won… – 12:21 PM

Tommy Beer @TommyBeer
Doc Rivers reaching out to Ben Simmons pic.twitter.com/oZn2DFgY2B – 12:19 PM

Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
Report: Ben Simmons insists he’ll never play for 76ers again nba.nbcsports.com/2021/09/21/rep… – 12:18 PM

Jake Madison @NOLAJake
Would the 76ers entertain Draymond Green in a trade package for Ben Simmons at all? – 12:11 PM

The Jump @_Talkin_NBA
When will Ben Simmons be traded?
#NBATwitter – 12:02 PM

Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
It appears that Ben Simmons’ time in Philadelphia will be coming to a close pretty soon #Sixers sixerswire.usatoday.com/2021/09/21/rep… via @SixersWire – 11:57 AM

Marc Stein @TheSteinLine
Tuesday editions of my NBA newsletter, as they were throughout their NYT incarnation, are always free.
Today’s drops between noon and 1 ET, covers all the latest in the Ben Simmons saga and will land direct in your inbox if you sign up with an email here: marcstein.substack.com – 11:08 AM

Wes Goldberg @wcgoldberg
New Locked On #NBA
@dramil13 and I debate the top players ready to take a leap in the 2021-22 season.
Can Jayson Tatum and Donovan Mitchell reach another level?
Plus, the latest on Ben Simmons!
🍎 apple.co/2XJoQMx
🎧 spoti.fi/2XIFlby pic.twitter.com/bWNXLkwp18 – 10:20 AM

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Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
New from me — reporting on the distance between what the Sixers want and what Ben Simmons wants, why a trade hasn’t gotten done (and might not until the market changes), and more on their outlook heading into this season:
phillyvoice.com/ben-simmons-la… – 8:57 AM

More on this storyline

“They’ve asked for a steep return. It is hard to trade a star player when you are a contender because you are trying to get back the pieces that keep you a contender now. “The offers on the marketplace just did not meet the threshold that Daryl Morey and Doc Rivers want in Philly. Now there is a standoff.” -via FOXSports.com / September 22, 2021

The Sixers are expecting at least some sort of absence to open the preseason, sources say, though most are convinced he will eventually show up, citing a lack of precedent for extended holdouts in the NBA. There has been some public debate over whether the Sixers would fine him for such a move in the midst of trying to work through all this, though it seems pretty black-and-white on Philly’s end. -via Philly Voice / September 22, 2021

Ben Simmons will not report to Sixers training camp

Adrian Wojnarowski: 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 …

Source: Twitter @wojespn

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Kerith Burke @KerithBurke
I have the nicest takes ever and they boil down to wanting everyone to be happy. Do your thing, Ben Simmons, if you think you can make it work. – 1:33 PM

Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Ben Simmons is out here trolling at this point pic.twitter.com/2SzU19GyI2 – 1:12 PM

Jon Johnson @jonjohnsonwip
We all need a laugh. Ben Simmons won’t be reporting to camp. What is your reaction as a Sixers fan? – 12:53 PM

Andrew Sharp @andrewsharp
All things considered, Ben Simmons might be the least cool pro athlete of my entire life – 12:48 PM

Kamenetzky Brothers @KamBrothers
Until Ben Simmons says he’s willing to play on Pluto ahead of the Sixers, not impressed. AK – 12:42 PM

Micah Adams @MicahAdams13
Ben Simmons contract
2021-22: $33.0M
2022-23: $35.5M
2023-24: $37.9M
2024-25: $40.3M
He also has a 15% trade kicker according to @spotrac. – 12:27 PM

The Ringer @ringernba
The Sixers and Ben Simmons trying to see who’s going to give in first pic.twitter.com/GcGqZxY2Je – 12:27 PM

David Locke @DLocke09
LOCKED ON JAZZ – Why NBA West is Wide Open. Tony Jones on Ben Simmons and Los Angeles Lakers. Always fun to be with @Tony Jones youtu.be/e7znzcchNsE via @YouTube – 12:23 PM

Emiliano Carchia @Sportando
Ben Simmons won’t report to 76ers training camp, intends to never play another game for the team sportando.basketball/en/simmons-won… – 12:21 PM

Tommy Beer @TommyBeer
Doc Rivers reaching out to Ben Simmons pic.twitter.com/oZn2DFgY2B – 12:19 PM

Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
Report: Ben Simmons insists he’ll never play for 76ers again nba.nbcsports.com/2021/09/21/rep… – 12:18 PM

Jake Madison @NOLAJake
Would the 76ers entertain Draymond Green in a trade package for Ben Simmons at all? – 12:11 PM

The Jump @_Talkin_NBA
When will Ben Simmons be traded?
#NBATwitter – 12:02 PM

Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
It appears that Ben Simmons’ time in Philadelphia will be coming to a close pretty soon #Sixers sixerswire.usatoday.com/2021/09/21/rep… via @SixersWire – 11:57 AM

Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
New @FrontOfficeShow is up! @Trevor_Lane and I talk Ben Simmons, Marc Gasol, Warriors workouts, overseas signings and more! Watch, like, subscribe and tell a friend. We passed 10K in subs and we’re chasing after 15K now!
youtu.be/T3asioxJnJQ – 6:30 PM

Chris Sheridan @sheridanhoops
For those wondering, Ben Simmons and Tyrese Maxey from #Sixers to #Rockets for John Wall works cap-wise. – 4:49 PM

Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
Report: Ben Simmons still planning to hold out, 76ers trying to change his mind nba.nbcsports.com/2021/09/20/rep… – 4:07 PM

Emiliano Carchia @Sportando
Ben Simmons will choose not to report to the team’s training camp? sportando.basketball/en/ben-simmons… – 1:27 PM

Marc Stein @TheSteinLine
The expectation remains, one week out from 76ers media day, that Ben Simmons will choose not to report to the team’s training camp, league sources say. But the Sixers, sources say, remain intent on trying to convince Simmons to report.
More NBA from me at marcstein.substack.com – 1:08 PM

More on this storyline

I was told very clearly that the Sixers do not liken these circumstances to Al Horford’s last season in Oklahoma City or John Wall’s in Houston. As the start of training camp draws near, Philadelphia has shown zero interest to date in striking the sort of mutual agreement that Wall and the Rockets just hatched to shelve the former All-Star point guard. -via marcstein.substack.com / September 21, 2021

Complicating matters with that caveat of right now, of course, is the reality that the Sixers also do not appear close to a trade they are willing to go through with that gives Simmons his desired fresh start. More than two months after posting one of my Tuesday newsletter extravaganzas on Substack for the first time on July 13 — also a breakdown, on that occasion, of the latest on the Simmons front — Philadelphia looks no closer to a trade to bring an end to this stalemate. -via marcstein.substack.com / September 21, 2021

Weeks of Philadelphia’s Simmons talks with various teams haven’t brought the Sixers to the brink of a deal, largely because Morey is the one faced with trying to get commensurate value for his All-Star and still asking for so much in return in his determination to recoup a trade package that, as one source put it, keeps Philadelphia in title contention. History, however, says that Philadelphia’s president of basketball operations shouldn’t count on getting a glittering package back when a deal finally materializes — his own history. -via marcstein.substack.com / September 21, 2021