The rumored demands by Ben Simmons will not stop when the Philadelphia 76ers finally decide to trade him. The burden will only be passed on to the team with enough cajones to give in to the Sixers' alleged asking price.
As Simmons and the Sixers are stuck in a standoff, the pressure of trading away the former first overall pick grows. However, one can argue that his market price is also being dragged by his decision.
Amid the entire circus, Simmons also desires to become the main offensive hub of a team, according to Kevin O'Connor of The Ringer.
League sources say the primary motivation for Klutch Sports’ aggressive holdout is to steer him to a team built around him on offense. No matter the roster makeup in Philly, he will only ever be no. 2 as long as Embiid is healthy.
This is going to be a problem, especially when going back to Doc Rivers' comment following the Sixers' playoff exit last season.
Rivers wasn't all-in on the fact that Simmons could be the lead point guard for a championship team. Some perceived those words as a major shade that could have caused a serious dent in the relationship between the Sixers and Simmons.
No one can deny Ben Simmons' elite playmaking ability. However, teams can easily take him out of games due to his inconsistent shooting, especially in postseason play where the tactics become more aggressive. It's not ideal for teams to have their so-called centerpiece be subjected to such strategy when it matters most.
All signs are pointing to an end that's nowhere in sight for both parties.
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