The Timberwolves, Pacers, Cavaliers, Pistons, Raptors and Spurs continue to inquire about Ben Simmons’ availability, Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer reports via a league source.
The Simmons saga is one of the major storylines of this preseason and it took another twist on Friday when reports surfaced that the Sixers were withholding an $8.25MM advance payment from their disgruntled playmaker.
However, as Pompey points out, this standoff could drag on until after December 15, when many free agents signed this summer can be included in trades.
The Sixers have put an exorbitant price tag on Simmons, in part while waiting to see if the Trail Blazers made Damian Lillard available or if the Wizards were willing to part with Bradley Beal. Simmons’ agent, Rich Paul, tried to assist the Sixers in receiving a five-player package for Simmons in a three-team trade but Philadelphia’s asking price was too rich, according to Pompey.
The withheld salary has been placed in an escrow account. Simmons is likely to receive all the money in his contract once he’s traded, Pompey notes, since it’s expected the team that acquires him will waive the fines the Sixers have instituted for his refusal to show up for training camp.
The Inquirer’s beat writer explored the standoff in great detail. Here are some highlights:
- Simmons’ desire to be traded was communicated to the front office just days after the team was eliminated from the playoffs. Paul told GM Elton Brand his client wanted out three days after the Hawks bounced the team out of the playoff chase. Brand then told president of basketball operations Daryl Morey.
- When the Sixers asked why Simmons wanted out, Paul told them his client was “mentally exhausted,” says Pompey.
- When Morey was hired last November, Simmons suspected he wouldn’t be with the franchise long-term. He was the centerpiece in trade talks with Morey’s former team, Houston, in the Sixers’ failed attempt to acquire James Harden. Simmons even went house shopping in Houston in anticipation of being dealt.
- Simmons doesn’t have any ill will toward his All-Star teammate Joel Embiid, but believes their partnership on the court has “run its course.” Even if he does return to Philadelphia to rejoin the team, Simmons has no intentions of playing another game for the Sixers.
Anyone else tired of Ben Simmons updates?
I just want him traded already
Tell your team to lower their unrealistic demands then.
It looks no end in sight for the foreseeable future
What is Rich Paul 5 players trade proposal?
Simmons requested the trade in June 21
103 days saga
On the contrary, I love them. Makes for some exciting drama. The NBA is a great soap opera!
I’m enjoying watching the process….
The process ended a few years ago, but you keep being you while the rest of us continue to talk about stuff that we have knowledge of. What’s next for you, bashing Philly fans for throwing snowballs at Santa?
@Jawn,
I am waiting for the ‘Mystery’ Team
Almost as tired as the James Harden rumors last year or the Anthony Davis saga the year before. You just have to wonder what next year will bring.
I wish all league could address this somehow. Guys who refuse to play for the team they are contractually obligated to play for should have to forfeit salary. I don’t know any other job where you get paid for refusing to work. I’m not saying his frustrations aren’t justified to a small extent but I just don’t understand how he’s already collected 8.25 million for refusing to play.
It’s not Simmons fault. I read the article.
It’s asking price too rich
Are you serious or trolling?! The team accommodated Simmons with everything. The fans never booed him and actually cheered him on. Let’s be honest he’s an overgrown child who’s been allowed to do anything he wants. Now his feelings are hurt and now wants to grab his ball and leave. Lol and the Sixers still want him after all of that. Sure it’s not Simmons fault and the sky isn’t blue and grass is really purple.
They’ve accommodated him with all but one thing. He wants out plain and simple, if they’re asking too much then they’re not accommodating his request. While I agree he shouldn’t be paid whole sitting out he shouldn’t be suspended for a year or any of that crap. While yes he signed a contract that doesn’t mean the 76ers own him. Sometimes situations change after you sign the contract. Most of us can’t compare this situation with our regular jobs. If you want to leave your job you do so and go ply your skills elsewhere. While technically he does have other options such as playing overseas he is functionally barred from working for 29 other companies because one company won’t let him leave.
I also think they don’t really want him back, they want to wait and see if Beal or Dame shake out. In an honest interview Embiid sounds as if doesn’t want him back. At this point it would be mutually beneficial to trade Simmons.
@tacocat
They don’t OWN him but unlike any other comparable work related situation they would still have to pay SOMEONE an equal amount of salary and THAT’S the main problem. They can get rid of Simmons but they still have to take back near equal salary in return and IF all they are being offered are bad contracts or several lesser players equaling Simmons salary thrn maybe that’s not appealing to them and they end up in a worse situation.
What they do own are his rights. No play, no pay.
Son with everything the Sixers have invested in this petulant child they deserve the top package possible for his talent. Let’s not forget Simmons missed a entire season with a foot injury or as jojo extrapolates moved Jimmy in favor of Ben, drafted and traded to accommodate Simmons lack of shooting confidence. He owes them ,contractually and moreyally
All that high-level language just to completely botch the final word lol
Notice morey friend
H/t to you, the creativity is appreciated
Agreed though, for the most part. Simmons is being a child
@ojdiddoit- Ok Dad but the problem is that the 76ers are dragging it out and not willing to take any package except exactly what they want. which is honestly a detriment to the team. Embiid shouldn’t have to answer these awkward questions. Realistically with Ben or without him they are still a 3-6th seed in the East. They’re still flawed and a player away from being a true contender. It’s not a matter of who owes who crap, it’s a matter of moving on and letting Simmons be someone else’s headache and recovering something for your investment. Who knows maybe addition by subtraction or whomever they get makes the difference and puts them over the top.
Irrelevant. Morey needs to lower his asking price regardless.
I agree. Nba players have too much power. I cant just refuse to go to my job and still receive my paycheck and they shouldnt be allowed either. When players do this the punishment should be like 1 year suspension plus voided contract, and only allow them to sign a minimum deal after the suspension for at least 1 year. Simmons signed the contract, he shouldnt be allowed to walk out on it because his feeling were hurt
Contractual employees are like this. All the power is with the employee, who can walk at any time and as a practical matter the employer has no recourse except withhold money, which is exactly what the Sixers are doing and in the end probably won’t hold. On the other hand, if the employer decides to end the relationship, the employee can sue and get all his/her money.
I bet you (as well as me and most people) are employed on an at will basis, which is a whole different story.
You’re forgetting that you’re not nearly as valuable as an NBA player. In all honesty your entire bloodline probably isn’t worth as much Ben Simmons. Players like him receive leverage because of this. If the 13th guy on your roster doesn’t show up guess what happens? He’s not getting the same treatment. You’re failing to see the larger picture
That was early in the summer when he collected his first payment
The team says they’re withholding future payments
Why the hell do the Pistons and Raptors want him? Detroit just got their point guard of the future and Toronto has Freddie and the new rookie forward. I could see him playing for the Wolves and the Spurs. San Antonio would be a good thing for Simmons. Pop might just get through to him and teach him how to be professional and win
I could see a Cade and Simmons pairing, wreaking havoc on the wings. Also, Cade at the two is the current plan, so it’s not that far-fetched.
And if your Philly wouldn’t you want Cade as part of the trade package ?
Many teams don’t see Ben as a point.
@seamaholic
let’s get pass position tags. he’s the primary ball handler who has the duties of running the offense. same as a point guard. And where only making thr distinction today because of size. he operates every bit like a traditional point guard.
Agree , he’s not a point. He thinks he’s Magic that’s the problem. Excellent passer and good vision. But doesn’t run an offense or manage a game. Much better as a 4 or 3. Plus doesn’t need to shoot there. Just make his FTs. Sixers catered to him at point.
The Raptors play positionless basketball, so having FVV and Barnes makes no difference. If a Simmons to Toronto trade did happen, I’m sure FVV would have to be included. However, I am still pretty surprised the Raptors are interested.
Buy low rebuild value sell high. I could see OKC taking a flier on him to re flip.
Sixers is like that guy who is selling his sports car at top dollar but has not done any work on it in years. Claiming it could be the fastest car on the block but the engine needs work. Will he find a sucker to give him top dollar or give in and sell it what its worth.
So, instead of learning how to shoot the basketball, which is what most pros would do, Simmons takes the easy way out where he requests a trade. What a piece of garbage.
What was the wrap on Lonzo, he couldn’t shoot. What did he do, worked on it. What’s the result:
3PT% – .305, .329, .375, .378
Improvement every year to now being an above average 3PT shooter.
Even Giannis, who takes the ball to the hoop unlike Ben averages 69% from the line vs. Simmons 59%.
Look in the mirror Ben, you’re the problem.
Just for once, I want to see no one make a trade offer in an attempt to stop this tired practice of players demanding trades. Obviously Philly wants to win, so they’ll still engage teams, but it would be great if the League told him he’s not wanted.
Greg that’s an awful take. The team holds Simmons’ contract. That’s an asset. If he won’t play for the team what benefit does the team get from that asset? Answer “nothing”.
If the rules allow him to sit out then you can’t punish him for it. And the rules do allow him to sit out. The rules also allow the team to not pay him when he does that.
But doing so cheats the team. It makes the asset worthless.
I understand the anger, but Simmons is a person and the team is an organization. A person can have hurt feelings and can act like a child, but an organization shouldn’t do that.
As much as it sucks for the team they owe it to there fans to get the best value for this asset as they can. Whatever that may be.
@weasel
there are no rules that “allow” a player under contract to sit out. Why would you think a rule like thst exists that contradicts the validity of a contract?
Because in the actual CBA the only way left for a player to leave the team is by playing out, as simple as, give them another choice & they wouldn’t, they are just fulfilling the CBA… but again you ain’t not gonna get that, so why bother, right?
You just love to hate on Simmons… one must wonder what your life will become the day he is freed from the city of brotherly hate!
@ElDon
My God your generation takes any criticism as hate. I know and like Rich Paul. I’ve never met Ben and have ZERO reason to “hate” him. He signed a long term contract for financial security. He gets hurt like Wall or Klay and he gets 100% of his money. It’s called an investment on behalf of a team. He signed an obligation. You want players to have more mobility to change their destination? Tell them to go year to year. Miss me with that “hate” ish. Grow up kid.
@KFCF… I am 47 so if I grow up a bit more I will be dead, right?!?!?
The problem is Morey not Simmons. It should never have gotten this far because Morey should have either traded him or stick up for him. Here is the Sixers problem they could trade him for future assets but Morey wants to win now. So he only wants a big star not future assets. How many big stars are on the market? NONE. So he thinks he can wait for 1 to come available. Lilard will not be available because they have enough assets to compete. So now it comes down to Beal. Wizards in the east should compete if no injuries occur. So Morey is hoping for a miracle.
Just make a deal already. There’s no benefit from keeping him if we won’t play for you.
You’re only cheating your own fans if he sits out the season.
@weasel
what if the offerings are horrible? A Kevin Love or John Wall offering or 3 or 4 rotation players who collectively earn $35 mil plus a couple of 1st rounders? That’s not helping the Sixers. They still tie up their cap with players they don’t want or need because of the salary matching trade rule. They should eliminate that in these types of situations.
It’s not the job of other teams to help the Sixers. If Simmons is as gutless as you say than that package you mentioned should be fine.
I doubt that is the majority opinion though.
Agree that he needs to be put at PG or else he will mope again.
… but he is good there,and his team will win.
@x%sure
not sure what your comment is supposed to mean. it’s a rule change I wish they would change for the benefit of ANY team that has a well payed player demanding a trade. And I dont think I ever referred to him as gutless.
I have a feeling it’s going to be the Spurs. They have more flexibility under the taxline than any other team. Two point guards in Murray and White that could help Philly win now. Big filler contracts in Aminu and Thad Young. Bunch of young prospects and picks to get it done.
Something like Murray/Vassell/Aminu/2 1sts. If Philly expects much more than that at this point they’re just fooling themselves.
Your trade idea won’t help 76ers to win championships
Murray and Aminu to third team for a good player
Who else could they possibly get that’ll make them better. Simmons is gonna be the best player in any trade made now since his value has tanked. They ain’t getting a Beal or Lillard out of this.
I don’t think anything could help the Sixes win championships, at this point. They’re just fooling themselves if they think so. Embiid is a not a number 1 player on a championship winning team. Their best shot was 2019 against the Raptors when they had Jimmy, etc. If they got past the Raptors, I believe they would’ve won the whole thing. Raptors and Sixers were clearly the best teams that year, regardless of what some casual fans would say regarding Golden states injuries.
Jojo is the most dominant force in the NBA friend. What the heck are you watching. The most dominant my friend on the number 1 seed and top ranked starting 5 .
… that can’t make it out of the second round
If Philly could just get rid of Simmons, they’d be a Finals contender! lol
Sullivan: They have not won one with Ben so…?
Makes sense to wait till Dec 15. For Sixers, don’t think Ben wants to wait. He could play and speed up the process by balling out.
Morey probably already has the offer he wants…for after Dec 15, of course.
Where is the Offseason in review series?
SASpurs … get her done !!!
they very well could…after Dec 15
Lillard and Beals dont want to get traded, it’s their personality. They dont like changes or surprises. They are anti risk people and are happy with current situations being treated as loyalty. Their life is so good, and everything else is just noise.
Beal will be traded this year. Why pay a guy max to be 7th or 8th seed.
Dont get too caught up on max contracts. Every team has them. It is what it is in NBA.
@Knickerbocker
As opposed to what? Spread that money out to a bunch of overpaid role players? Every team has to spend a certain amount of money to stay above the salary floor. Why not reward the only star left and sell some jerseys while you’re at it?
@Michol
Or…or….. Like Giannis, Dirk and many others, they love the team they started off with and relish the challenge of bringing a chip to their team rather than club hopping to get a ring? You make what they decide to do seem selfish?. What a turn.
I am not disagreeing with you. However, they dont take ownership when they are losing and they blame the teammates and the franchise. As clutch as Lilliard had been, he often gets hurt or disappears in postseason especially after winning 1 series. He gets complacent after playing spectacular series and hasnt learned to win a Title. It’s like Lebron who learned to win in Miami… As for Beals, I laugh when he says he’s tired of losing; he doesnt do any of the intangibles to win aside from padding the stats.
#FreeBenSimmons
The Spurs would be stupid to make any trade for Simmons. You will tie up between 30-40 million a year for a player, who is great on defense, court vision and versatile, but can’t shoot or hit free throws. Plus they would need to give up several young players and picks. Now to help facilitate a trade to another team and gather more assets, that’s fine. The training wheels are off and the Spurs need to see what they have in Murray, Johnson, Walker, Samanic, etc. Maybe one or two of the young guys with the expanded roles play like an all-star. If not, if all the young players are nothing but complementary assets, then the team will struggle and end up with a nice pick in the lottery. That should be the Spurs plan this season.
Can’t make a foul shot
Can’t make a layup
Won’t shoot a jumpshot
Not much else left for him to do on the court
You nailed it! That’s why a lousy managed, horrible culture franchise like the Twolves are chasing Simmons… this reminds me of when the MN Vikings traded for Herschel Walker… it will be the same kinda results… stay tuned!!
Strategically, you can build a team around him that works for 3 quarters but in the 4th quarter his weaknesses (physical and mental) become exploitable by the opponent so his value drops considerably just when you need your best players to take control of the game. As many have said already it is up to Ben (mainly) to improve but the 76ers are culpable in not coaching him up (both Brown and Rivers paid lip service but the needle did not move).
As far as the trade, most players live with the reality that they can be traded. Mentally, Ben considers himself elite and untradeable so he reacted unprofessionally when he sniffed that the 76ers were offering him around.
It now seems like a face-saving situation where neither side wants to give in after establishing their line in the sand.
Dec 15 makes a lot of sense. Cause then More teams will be on trade. They will have more options. So will Sixers. Unfortunately for fans. We will have to deal with all the Ben BS for another 2 1/2 months. Still say Halliburton is best deal you will get. Keeps the team young too. With Bagley and Buddy.
As much grief as KD and LBJ were given for leaving their teams to super teams… they at least gave it everything they had for the team that drafted them for at least their rookie deal and first contract extension.
Ben is just a Witch.
Please list what each six teams have to offer Philly for Simmons …
Keep hearing the Pacers Pacers Pacers…. which probably means not the Pacers. But if Dame or Beal never become available….
I’d do Brogdon, LeVert, and Holiday and pick swaps for Simmons and Korkmaz.
Lot of people like Haliburton but the package of Haliburton, Hield, and Bagley has too little playoff experience and Bagley really doesn’t have a place on this roster.