Ben Simmons is still on the Philadelphia 76ers' active roster despite the deafening trade buzz surrounding him since the end of their last playoff run.
The longer he remains on the Sixers, the more awkward it becomes given how loudly he was being shopped around the league by GM Daryl Morey. But it sounds like things might reach a whole new level of stranger – Ben Simmons might stay.
According to CBS Sports' Michael Kaskey-Blomain, Philly is gearing up for a reality where the All-Star still has to suit up for the Sixers in the near future.
Ben Simmons trade talks have stalled for the time being, and the #Sixers are prepared to have him on the roster at the start of the season, according to a league source.
— Michael K-B (@therealmikekb) August 26, 2021
If that were truly the case, there seem to be no winners in that scenario, whether Ben Simmons, the Sixers organization, and its fans.
The All-Star had gone rogue in recent weeks, reportedly refusing to have his team oversee his offseason training regiment while also zoning out contact from the Sixers in general.
Suiting up for the team that doesn't want you sounds like a nightmare, and it would be such for the 76ers as well. Having Ben Simmons on the roster on opening night means none of the offers they received were substantial enough to merit a trade they clearly want to make. Daryl Morey has been rumored to be asking for the moon in negotiations, but it always felt like a ploy to lang a relatively decent deal at a lower price point.
As for Sixers fans, who aren't exactly known for their patience and understanding, things might get weird if they see Ben Simmons playing on opening night. Things have the potential to turn ugly, especially if the star mails it in out of frustration.
There's a lot of time between now and the start of the regular season. A lot can still happen. For the Sixers and Ben Simmons' sake, hopefully something does happen.
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