The Ben Simmons offseason saga continues to get uglier as we rapidly approach the start of training camp. After a summer full of trade discussions and rumors, the three-time All-Star remains a member of the Philadelphia 76ers.
Simmons and his camp have made it clear that he will not be reporting to Philly and plans to hold out until his trade request is met. ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported Tuesday the former No. 1 pick intends to never play for the Sixers again.
Klutch Sports and the Sixers have been in a stalemate for a majority of the offseason, hoping the other will blink. Countless things have been done from both sides in an attempt to gain leverage in the situation.
Following the report from Woj, Sixers head coach Doc Rivers appeared on ESPN Wednesday morning, hoping to shine a different light on the situation. Rivers was one of Simmons' biggest supporters last season (that post-Game 7 comment aside) and complimented him when talking with Stephen A. Smith:
“I just love how he plays. I love a lot of the things he does for our team. Unfortunately, we focus so much on his offense, and we don't focus on a lot of the other things he does.”
Ultimately, the Sixers hold all the leverage in this trade saga. With Ben Simmons being under contract for four more seasons, he has minimal power in what happens with his future. Because he is locked up for the long haul, the Sixers have continually tried to fix the relationship with Simmons. Despite requesting a trade and refusing to show up, Rivers still wants to see Simmons on the Sixers next season:
“I can tell you upfront, we would love to get Ben [Simmons] back, and if we can, we're going to try to do that. Ben has a long contract, it's in our hands, and we want him back.”
Rivers appearing on TV a day after a major report comes out is no coincidence. His comments certainly can be viewed as damage control from the Sixers' side of things. Many might feel that Rivers saying these things is a waste of time, but they serve a greater purpose.
If one thing has become clear in all this, it is Daryl Morey is in no particular hurry to get a deal done. He is waiting for a trade that puts the Sixers in a position to compete for a championship, and rightfully so. There is no telling how long Joel Embiid's prime will last, and the team cannot waste it trying to meet the demands of a disgruntled All-Star.
With no ideal trade currently in sight, this saga is likely going to carry into the regular season. That said, the Sixers are doing everything in their power to get Simmons to show up. It is their only chance of salvaging the situation.
Sitting out until a trade happens doesn't get either side closer to what they want. Even if Simmons is still visibly upset, the Sixers will take an unhappy All-Star over nothing at all. There are multiple benefits for both parties if Ben Simmons decides to end his holdout, which is why Doc Rivers and the Sixers will continue to do what they can to try to cause a change of heart.
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