The Ben Simmons saga has been one of the top NBA storylines since the Sixers were eliminated from the postseason. Despite formally requesting a trade, the three-time All-Star still finds himself in Philadelphia with just a week to go before the start of the regular season.
In an attempt to force Daryl Morey's hand, Simmons and his camp threatened to hold out from the Sixers until a trade happened. Through training camp and two preseason games, the former number one pick has been nowhere in sight.
The latest news suggests the tides are turning on the Simmons front. ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported that team officials and Rich Paul have held talks on a resolution to get the 25-year-old to report back to the Sixers. It was also reported that the plan is still for Morey to find a trader partner for Simmons.
Sixers officials and Klutch CEO Rich Paul have progressed in talks over recent days on a resolution to bring All-Star Ben Simmons back to Philadelphia in the near future, sources tell ESPN. Discussions are ongoing.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 11, 2021
After how things played out this summer, it seemed unlikely Simmons would ever consider returning to the Sixers. Now there might be a reality where he is in uniform for the team's first game in nine days.
Doc Rivers and company did a great job not letting the outside noise overrun media day and training camp, but this latest development certainly changes things. If Simmons eventually does decide to end his holdout, it will be impossible to avoid a bombardment of questions on the subject.
While Simmons returning to the Sixers is positive, it could have some nasty drawbacks. Most notably, it could cause issues behind the scenes with the other players.
Multiple players did a good job defusing the situation during media day and camp, but there is no denying they were unhappy with Simmons' actions. This Sixers core has spent multiple seasons together now. Seeing one of the key pieces just up and walk out had to sting.
There is also the dynamic between the team's All-Stars to keep an eye out for. During training camp, news came out that Simmons no longer wanted to play alongside Joel Embiid for basketball reasons. When asked his response on the report, Embiid did not hold back in his rant about the actions of his teammate. Many have questioned their relationship over the years, and after all that's been said, it's fair to assume the two aren't on the best of terms now.
Having Simmons on the court makes the Sixers better, but at what cost? After how things have gone down this summer, bringing him back could drastically change the team's morale. The Sixers have done a tremendous job to improve their culture over the past year, and Simmons returning might put that in jeopardy.
Only time will tell what happens between Simmons and the Sixers. One thing is certain, the dark cloud hanging over the team's head is not going away anytime soon.
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