The Philadelphia 76ers have been in the spotlight of 2022 NBA trade deadline news and rumors. Of course, this is because of Ben Simmons, who has sat out the entire season, refusing to play for the team.

So far, no trade rumors have come to fruition, and, according to sources, he will never play for Philadelphia again.

ESPN reported that the point guard is not mentally ready to play right now, but especially not with the Sixers. “Not now and not ever in Philadelphia,” ESPN senior writer Ramona Shelburne wrote.

Simmons has continued to work out during the season in multiple different settings, all separate from the Sixers. However, as reported by ESPN, Simmons returned to the Sixers practice facility. This is solely to train in a private setting and practice on an empty court. The point guard has no wish to rejoin his team.

Article Continues Below
More Philadelphia 76ers News
Philadelphia 76ers guard Eric Gordon (23) drives against Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (13) in the fourth quarter at Wells Fargo Center.
76ers’ 2 important contract decisions amid free agency crunchMalik Brown ·
Featured image Kelly Oubre Jr
76ers’ Kelly Oubre Jr. makes $8.4 million contract decision ahead of free agencyDylan Fine ·
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 ·

While it was a rocky road, the Sixers seem to be doing more than fine without his talents on the court. The Monday night overtime win against the Memphis Grizzlies put Philadelphia just half a game behind the top seeds in the Eastern Conference.

The Sixers are 31-19 and riding a five-game winning streak with no signs of slowing down. It's important to note that the team also pulled off the Monday night win as underdogs since MVP candidate Joel Embiid sat out for rest purposes.

Young point guard Tyrese Maxey has taken over the starting point guard role in the absence of Simmons. He put up 33 points and eight assists as the top contributor in Monday night's win.

The 2022 NBA trade deadline is less than two weeks away, and Simmons' future in the NBA remains unclear.