Ben Simmons and the Philadelphia 76ers have been locked in a vicious stalemate since the end of last season.
Nothing has changed either party’s desire to stay the course.
The Sixers refuse to give Simmons up unless they get their desired asking price.
Simmons refuses to play for the organization until he gets dealt, no matter how much money it costs him.
There was some optimism last week that one team might be able to put together the assets necessary for making something happen, but now it appears the plan has changed.
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, Philly now has a new trade plan as it pertains to its disgruntled star.
“Multiple sources, including people with direct knowledge of the team’s thinking and also from rival teams involved on the Simmons front, tell The Athletic that the 76ers are believed to prefer to wait in order to pursue (James) Harden or another superstar in the offseason and thus want to save Simmons for that potential sign-and-trade rather than take what’s available on the current market.”
The Sixers are 27-19 and a mere 2.5 games back of the top seed in the East. Because they’ve been playing so well, the urgency to move Simmons has dissipated.
It will be interesting to see where things go from here. Simmons has two preferred trade destinations, but at this point he’d likely accept anywhere that isn’t Philly.
The Sixers, meanwhile, have all the incentive in the world to hold out for a bigger offer.
Sadly, a resolution doesn’t appear anywhere in sight.
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