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 Markelle Fultz (20) is doused with water by guard Ben Simmons (25) and center Amir Johnson (5) after recording his first triple double in a game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Wells Fargo Center.
76ers’ 10 worst NBA Draft day mistakes in historySpencer See ·
76ers' Daryl Morey in the middle with Nick Nurse on one side and Joel Embiid on the other
2 players Philadelphia 76ers must avoid in 2025 NBA DraftTroy Finnegan ·
Rutgers Scarlet Knights guard Ace Bailey (4) shoots the ball in the second half against the USC Trojans at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
76ers rumors: Insider getting ‘mixed signals’ on No. 3 pick amid Ace Bailey debateJake Faigus ·
Jared McCain, Philadephia 76ers, Matas Buzelis, Chicago Bulls, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Miami Heat, Dyson Daniels, Atlanta Hawks, NBA Finals
Dyson Daniels, Matas Buzelis highlight NBA Finals correspondents for Thunder-PacersTomer Azarly ·
Detroit Pistons forward Tobias Harris (12) during game five of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden.
Tobias Harris clowns Paul George, 76ers for post-Super Bowl strugglesRichard Pereira ·
Paul George and Ace Bailey on the 76ers court.
76ers’ Paul George doubles down on support for Ace Bailey in 2025 NBA DraftMatty 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.