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Ben Simmons is reportedly on the verge of rejoining the Philadelphia 76ers after months of refusing to return to the team. Sixers head coach Doc Rivers, for his part, appears to confirm the development as he revealed his ongoing talks with Rich Paul.
Per Tim Bontemps of ESPN, Rivers reiterated his stance that he has always wanted to have Simmons back on his lineup, and that “hasn't changed at all” despite the drama that ensued after their 2021 playoffs exit. The veteran head coach also shared that he has been in contact with Paul–Ben's agent–and that their conversations have “gone well.”
Doc Rivers says that from “day one we’ve said what we wanted” — that they want Ben Simmons back. “Our position hasn’t changed at all.” Says he’s talked to Rich Paul, and not Simmons, so far, but that conversations have “gone well” throughout this process.
— Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) October 11, 2021
It remains to be seen if Ben Simmons will truly rejoin the Sixers and when. After all, the 2021-22 season is just a little over a week away and the Australian playmaker hasn't practiced with the team at all during training camp and preseason.
For what it's worth, though, Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reported that the Sixers are still exploring trades for the 25-year-old guard. With that said, it is possible that Philly's efforts to bring him back is just to regain leverage in negotiations and be able to find a suitable trade partner.
Of course it is also possible that the Sixers really want him back–even after his rumors frustration with the franchise and the fanbase. However, that could also create all sorts of problems for the team following what has been a messy offseason full of damaging remarks.
