Ben Simmons has reportedly returned to the City of Brotherly Love amid talks that his agent Rich Paul is trying to work on a resolution that would bring him back to the Philadelphia 76ers.
According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, Simmons arrived in Philly on Monday and took a COVID-19 test as part of the NBA's health and safety protocols. Now, the Sixers are said to be “hopeful” to get him back on the court after clearing protocols–signifying their intent of getting him to play again instead of trading him.
Sixers are hopeful to start moving toward the next steps of a return with Simmons, per sources. Organization wants him back on the court once he clears protocols, but that remains to be seen. https://t.co/4Zc3gUp50R
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 12, 2021
Ben Simmons' return to Philly is undoubtedly surprising, especially after rumors claimed that he's done playing in front of Sixers fans and never wants to suit up for the team once again.
It is unknown what's really going on behind the scenes. After all, it certainly looked like the Australian had no plans to rejoin the Sixers based on the rumors that surfaced about his stance on the matter. There were even reports that he stopped a group led by Joel Embiid and Tobias Harris from visiting him in LA in an attempt to change his mind.
Complicating things even more is the fact that the Sixers are reportedly still exploring trades for Simmons even as they work on a resolution on their relationship.
Whatever the case may be, the Sixers seemed adamant on getting him to play. Whether it's for their title aspirations or their desire to have the leverage in trading him remains to be seen.
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