At the heart of all the Ben Simmons drama in Philadelphia is his relationship with 76ers teammate Joel Embiid. Simmons' questionable fit alongside the superstar big man has been a talking point for years, further illuminated after their brutal ouster at the hands of the Atlanta Hawks during last year's NBA playoffs.
But despite some very public barbs seemingly hurled at one another, both parties find themselves together again in Philly with the season set to begin soon. While some believe that keeping Ben Simmons in the locker room at all may prove a risky gambit, forcing a trade for a less-than-ideal trade return isn't in their best interest either.
The Sixers reportedly have Joel Embiid's full “buy-in” to hold onto Ben Simmons unless a truly groundbreaking deal surfaces.
Via Sixers reporter Kyle Neubeck:
“In spite of the distance between the two over the summer and the shade cast in both directions through public interviews and leaked reports, Embiid ultimately just wants to win, and has expressed a desire to get Simmons in the fold and working toward contending. If Simmons proves stubborn or uninterested in doing so, the team believes Embiid is onboard with not settling for a trade just to be done with the problem altogether.”
What happens once the season rolls around is anybody's guess. Ben Simmons could somehow forget everything happened and commit to the Sixers after their near divorce. But just as easily, things could go south fast enough to necessitate a trade ASAP. Whatever happens, Joel Embiid is on board.
“To win a title, Embiid is aware they need star-level talent, whether that means winning Simmons back over or waiting for a star to get antsy in another market. People around the Sixers organization have noted changes in him as a leader and voice in the locker room, with Embiid ready and willing to work with whatever (and whoever) they have if a quick resolution doesn't happen.”
At the end of the day, the Sixers want to win and so does their superstar center. How Ben Simmons factors into that equation one way or another, Joel Embiid couldn't care less.
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