Ben Simmons just isn’t strolling by way of that door.

Regardless of the 76ers’ finest efforts to convey their three-time All-Star again into the fold, Simmons seems to be dedicated to his pledge of by no means taking part in one other sport for Philadelphia. The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported Saturday that a few of Simmons’ teammates needed to journey to Los Angeles to fulfill with him, however they have been turned away as a result of Simmons made it clear that he will not change his stance.

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Now that the beginning of NBA coaching camps has arrived, people across the league shall be centered on how the staff handles Simmons’ absence. This is what we find out about his holdout as of Monday morning and what might come subsequent.

Is Ben Simmons actually simply not going to point out up for coaching camp?

The previous adage “by no means say by no means” ought to be utilized right here, however it might be a significant shock if Simmons abruptly decides to rejoin the 76ers. Charania famous in his report that Simmons has “mentally checked out as a member of the 76ers.” However his reasoning for staying away from the staff goes past simply his frustration with the group.

“It is not simply that he would not wish to play there anymore. He would not wish to be in entrance of these followers,” ESPN’s Brian Windhorst mentioned throughout an look on SiriusXM NBA Radio. “So for him, I do not assume he intends to ever present his face there once more, until he is a part of a visiting staff, and he is one [game] and out. A part of that is only a visceral factor.

“It is not even about, ‘I am sad. Get me out of right here.’ I feel he has instructed his agent, ‘I am not displaying up. I do not need [to be] in entrance of these followers.'”

Are the 76ers near buying and selling Ben Simmons?

Not likely. Philadelphia is ready for a slam dunk supply from a Simmons suitor, however entrance workplaces aren’t keen to change their rosters lower than a month earlier than the beginning of the common season. That is the a part of the NBA calendar that offers groups hope, even when that hope could also be irrational.

It is attainable that the Sixers will ultimately bend on their asking value, particularly if the drama turns into a significant distraction. Philadelphia president of basketball operations Daryl Morey hasn’t backed down but on his calls for, although.

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If Ben Simmons continues to be on the roster however would not attend coaching camp, what’s going to the 76ers do?

The Sixers might droop and effective Simmons for “failing to render providers” (Article VI, Part 1 of the collective bargaining settlement). Philly must droop Simmons first earlier than it might effective him for every day he’s not out there.

If the 76ers have been to proceed paying Simmons as he operated from his personal little island with Wealthy Paul, it might be fascinating to see how the NBA reacts. The league positively would not need ship a message that stars will not face penalties for not reporting to coaching camps, practices or video games.

Is Ben Simmons keen to lose cash?

Simmons might not care about attainable fines as a lot as different NBA gamers due to the construction of his contract. Simmons is about to earn $33 million in 2021-22 as a part of a five-year, $177.2 million contract extension that he signed in 2019. He already obtained 25 % of that wage ($8.25 million) earlier this 12 months, and he’s alleged to obtain one other 25 % on Oct. 1.

That is the place issues might go in an unsightly path. The Sixers might withold that quantity and go to arbitration, utilizing the identical “failure to render providers” argument. That course of might drag out for a number of months. No person desires that — properly, besides a bunch of attorneys.

Uh… this example is fairly awkward, huh?

Yep, it positive is, and it is in all probability going to worsen. Basketball is again!