The Ben Simmons saga for the Philadephia 76ers continued on Tuesday as the team prepares to convene in Camden, NJ for training camp on Sept. 28. The team already knew that Simmons was unlikely to show up at the beginning of camp, but they were hoping he would show up at some point.
Now, it appears that the hope they had is completely gone.
Per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, not only Simmons does not intend to show up to training camp, but he also intends to not even play another game for the franchise. As the team continues to move forward with their plan to build around Joel Embiid, it does appear that Simmons’ time in a Sixers uniform is over and it is time to find a new star partner for the big fella.
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
The best case scenario for Philadelphia was probably trying to mend the fences with Simmons a bit and at least wait until December to get a deal done, but now it appears that it is not possible. He wants nothing to do with the organization and the relationship between player and franchise is completely fractured.
This post originally appeared on Sixers Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
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