Disgruntled Philadelphia 76ers All-Star Ben Simmons has returned to the team after a lengthy holdout, though it's currently not clear if he actually intends on playing. Simmons will reportedly meet with Sixers leaders on Tuesday to figure out the next steps, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

So, why exactly is Simmons picking this time to report to the team? Woj has the details:

Why return now? Simmons is described as wanting to prove a point, and knowing he had done so with something that almost never happens in the NBA: sitting out training camp, costing himself nearly $1 million in lost salary and fines, and delivering an unmistakable message that he wanted a trade out of Philadelphia. The Sixers scoured the league but never came close to finding a deal that returned them the kind of elite player they'd want in exchange for Simmons, sources said. The trade market can shift quickly once the regular season gets underway — and more players become eligible to be moved on Dec. 15 — but the Sixers have no traction on a trade now, sources said.

Article Continues Below
More Philadelphia 76ers News
76ers' Guerschon Yabusele surrounded by money
Ascending Western Conference squad named Guerschon Yabusele suitorAbdullah Imran ·
VJ Edgecombe and Johni Broome on the 76ers court
Philadelphia 76ers 2025 NBA Draft grades for every pickMatty Breisch ·
Philadelphia 76ers forward Justin Edwards (19) shoots the ball against the Toronto Raptors during the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center.
76ers sign breakout bench piece to 3-year contract extensionAbdullah Imran ·
Baylor Bears guard VJ Edgecombe (7) drives to the basket around Texas Tech Red Raiders guard Kevin Overton (1) during the second half at T-Mobile Center.
VJ Edgecombe gets touching gesture from 76ers Daryl MoreyMatty Breisch ·
Philadelphia 76ers center Andre Drummond (5) reacts after his dunk against the Brooklyn Nets during the first quarter at Wells Fargo Center.
Andre Drummond makes $5 million decision for 2025-26 seasonZachary Draves ·
2025 NBA Draft, 76ers, Spurs
Sixers, Spurs highlight biggest winners of 2025 NBA DraftAlex House ·

The Sixers have held firm in trade talks that they require a hefty return for Simmons. Nobody has met their asking price yet, which is why they were content letting Simmons sit out and lose money with the hope that he would wind up showing up at some point. And here we are.

There are reportedly expected to be conversations about Simmons recouping some of his lost money if he actually returns to play for the team, but, again, it's not certain if he has intentions on doing that or just reporting. It had been reported before that the three-time All-Star didn't want to play for the Sixers ever again.

Philly is evidently going to try for a reconciliation, but Simmons reporting could just be the precursor for a trade in the near future.