It’s been well documented that Ben Simmons wants out of Philadelphia, but if he doesn’t report to training camp, the NBA could step in if the Sixers don’t penalize him financially with a suspension, Tim Bontemps and Bobby Marks of ESPN relay.
The Sixers are still very much in win-now mode, so they have their eyes on guys like Damian Lillard and Bradley Beal, which would instantly move them into the conversation as the team to come out of the Eastern Conference.
Simmons met with team owner Josh Harris, president of basketball operations Daryl Morey, GM Elton Brand, and coach Doc Rivers attempted to convince him to show up to camp in a few weeks and be part of the team, our own Chris Crouse relays. However, that didn’t appear to move Simmons into wanting to rejoin his teammates.
If Simmons continues to hold out, that could pressure Philadelphia into finally trading him, but GM Daryl Morey hasn’t shown any rush into pulling the trigger on any deal.
Simmons is under contract for four more seasons, which gives him the lower ground between him and the Sixers.
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