The ongoing feud between Ben Simmons and the Philadelphia 76ers doesn’t appear to be any closer to a resolution now than it was this summer.
Simmons continues to want out; the Sixers’ front office, meanwhile, is steadfast in its resistance to trade him for anything less than the stated desired asking price.
Unfortunately, an already-complex situation has grown even worse because of Simmons’ insistence that he is unable to suit up for the 76ers due to mental health issues.
That move has absolutely tanked his trade value.
“In the absence of a Simmons return, sources say, the Sixers’ belief is rival teams have grown even less motivated than before about making a move for Simmons because of the escalating uncertainty that surrounds him,” wrote Sam Amick of The Athletic.
“If his mental health struggles aren’t solely the product of his Sixers experience, in other words, then who’s to say it will be any different somewhere else? From this standpoint, it’s not hard to find rival executives who confirm these suspicions.”
In a recent interview with Shams Charania of The Athletic, Simmons’ agent Rich Paul has insisted that they would not relent from their trade demand.
“This is no longer about a trade,” he said.
“This is about finding a place where we can help Ben get back to his mental strength and get back on the floor. I want him on the floor playing the game that he loves. I want Ben on the floor whether that’s in a 76ers uniform or any other uniform, that’s not up to me, but I want him in a state where he can resume play. We want to cooperate and want to work him back on the floor.”
Simmons obviously has one team he’d prefer to be traded to, but at this point beggars can’t be choosers. He’ll take any place that isn’t Philly.
Paulina Gretzky knows how to go viral. https://t.co/MJnHf7EJ1y
— Game 7 (@game7__) November 18, 2021
That said, the Sixers are also being stubborn. And they are refusing to budge off their demands. It is worth remembering that the last time the Golden State Warriors and Sixers spoke regarding a possible trade, Golden State straight up hung up the phone. The asking price was simply too high.
By any objective measure, this situation isn’t anywhere close to its conclusion. Buckle in – the next few months promise to a bumpy ride.
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Charles Kruger has been credentialed to cover two Super Bowls, four NBA Finals, and one World Series. A 20-year veteran in the sports world, he has sources spanning the NBA, MLB, NFL, UFC and NASCAR. Currently residing in Los Angeles, Calif., he is Game 7’s go-to source for rumors surrounding the Lakers, Clippers and Dodgers.
