The biggest headline in the NBA with training camp approaching is what the Philadelphia 76ers intend on doing with Ben Simmons. He has made it clear he won't return to the Sixers, leading many to believe a trade is likely to occur at some point.
During media day on Monday, Joel Embiid stated his case as to why he wants Simmons back with the Sixers.
Joel Embiid: "of course we want him back, he's a big piece of what we've been building"
— Kevin McCormick (@KevinMcCNBA) September 27, 2021
Embiid even brought up that some members of the Sixers had planned to fly out to visit with Simmons before that idea was thwarted.
Joel Embiid confirms that himself and other teammates were going to fly out to talk to Ben Simmons.
— Kevin McCormick (@KevinMcCNBA) September 27, 2021
A lot of the frustrations for Simmons stem from his lackluster performances in the postseason last year and the critiques he received from his teammates and coaches after that. When this was brought up to Embiid, he planted his feet firmly in the ground and stood by what he said after their season concluded last year.
Article Continues BelowJoel Embiid: "I didn't call out anyone, I just stated the facts"
— Kevin McCormick (@KevinMcCNBA) September 27, 2021
Still, Embiid envisions the future of the Sixers best suited with he and Simmons as the pillars of the franchise.
Embiid with a long, long pause when asked by @TimBontemps what he would say to Simmons. "I'm disappointed. We haven't won anything … I got to be better, everyone has got to be better. But in the regular season, we have been so dominant … we know it's working."
— Chris Mannix (@SIChrisMannix) September 27, 2021
The saga between Simmons and the Sixers is the biggest remaining storyline that doesn't have a concrete conclusion in place with training camp set to begin. Philadelphia has made it clear that if they were to trade Simmons, they are looking for established star players in return. That could foggy up the trade scene and make it more difficult for the 76ers to find a trade partner that can match what they are looking for and be willing to do so as well.
It's become apparent that the Sixers wants Simmons back. The problem is, the feeling doesn't seem to be mutual at all.