When Ben Simmons met with the Philadelphia 76ers organization at Rich Paul's home last August, he made his desire abundantly clear: he wants to be traded.
However, while rumors had it that Doc Rivers and Joel Embiid's disparaging comments after their 2021 playoffs exit that led to Simmons demanding for a trade, it was apparently not really the case. According to the latest report from Ramona Shelburne of ESPN, the Australian playmaker wanted to leave the Sixers and find a new home where he “could make mistakes.”
As Simmons reportedly said during the meeting organized by his agent, he felt like he wasn't given the opportunity to make mistakes with the Sixers and experience the growing pains other young players had. With that said, the 25-year-old thought that a change of scenery was the best choice for him.
“I appreciate you guys coming out here,” Simmons said, according to ESPN's sources who were at the meeting. “I understand how you feel. But I feel how I feel. And it's just time for a change.”
Ben Simmons has already returned to the Sixers, but it remains to be seen if he will really suit up for the team or it's just a way for the franchise to be able to trade him.
For what it's worth, though, it looks like Simmons didn't like the spotlight given to him and the pressure he was put on with the Sixers. After all, there were high expectations on him as the first overall pick of the 2016 NBA draft. Not to mention that he was often compared to LeBron James when he came into the league, thanks in large part to his size and playmaking.
The Sixers have never wavered on their stance that they want Simmons back, but looking at his past comments, it seems a move away from the City of Brotherly Love is what he truly desires.
Follow Us
Subscribe