The terms of Ben Simmons‘ contract with the Sixers call for him to receive 25% of his $33MM salary for the 2021/22 season on October 1, after he received the first 25% on July 1. However, according to Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report, the 76ers don’t intend to give Simmons that advance payment of roughly $8.25MM on Friday.
Philadelphia’s stance is that Simmons is not fulfilling the terms of his contract by not reporting to training camp, according to Fischer, who says that league-office personnel and players’ union officials believe the Sixers are within their rights to withhold that payment.
ESPN’s Tim Bontemps, Brian Windhorst, and Bobby Marks confirm (via Twitter) that the Sixers won’t give Simmons that $8.25MM today, noting that the team has put that money into an escrow account. The fines he accrues will come out of that amount going forward, per the ESPN trio.
There had been some uncertainty about whether the 76ers would take this route, since refusing to pay such a large sum would escalate the standoff with Simmons and perhaps make a resolution less likely. However, a resolution has never seemed especially likely anyway, and there has also been a sense that the league – and other team owners – would want to see Philadelphia take a strong stance to discourage other players from holding out in the same manner.
One source close to the situation told Marc Stein of Substack (Twitter link) that Simmons’ camp believes he’ll get the money one way or another — even if the Sixers withhold that $8.25MM for the time being, Simmons could still eventually get it (minus fines) via an arbitration process or by reaching a resolution with the team. Additionally, as Brian Windhorst of ESPN noted on his latest Hoop Collective podcast, if and when a trade gets completed, Simmons’ new club would likely do all it can to make sure he gets paid in full to avoid starting the relationship off on the wrong foot.
Interestingly, Fischer says there have been “growing whispers” among his sources this week that Simmons could respond by reporting to the 76ers and saying that he’s injured. If he’s found to have a legitimate injury, Simmons wouldn’t be compelled to actually take the court for Philadelphia, but the team would still be required to pay him. However, Fischer’s sources may simply be speculating — Shams Charania of The Athletic (Twitter link) suggests that Simmons still isn’t showing up and understands the ramifications of his absence.
A trade remains the best way to end this staredown between the Sixers and their three-time All-Star, but Fischer reiterates that no deal appears close.
According to Darren Wolfson of 5 Eyewitness News (Twitter link), new Timberwolves head of basketball operations Sachin Gupta has touched base with Philadelphia since receiving his promotion, but the Sixers have never seemed enthused about Minnesota’s trade assets, and that hasn’t changed since Gersson Rosas‘ dismissal.
It’s getting ugly
Honestly I think this is a clear overreaction. Nothing matters until he starts missing actually games.
Yeah, we talking about practice. Just practice man, just practice.
Practice is important think.sixers did a right decision.he didnt came to practise,then je cant got his payment too.simple
I don’t show up for work, I don’t get paid; I tell my job that I hate them and I don’t want to work there anymore, well, I’ll have my wish created.
granted*
I think I like “wish created” better than “wish granted.” Sounds much more poetic.
I don’t think it is an overreaction. He is skipping camp and said he would never play for them agai . Don’t reward a player for violating their contract by giving them $8.5 million.
It’s not Simmons faults, it’s GM faults
You trade Simmons for Sabonis and Brogdon
You don’t demand Wiseman, Kuminga, Moody and two unprotected Firsts
This and if they may be doing it to ingratiate themselves to the league as a whole, who they’re trying to extract max value from for Simmons.
At this point they probably care a lot more about how other potential trade partners view them than Simmons.
and just like that his value diminishes more…..Philadelphia really is a dumb franchise. This is a loosing end game for them. The distraction is just that, a distraction that the team doesn’t need if it wants to compete. Embiid proved that yesterday with his comments and the questions will only increase. I’ll bet a player gets into it with the press by next week. A mess that they’ll ultimately fix but not before it’s too late for this season. Bet the under on 76 win totals this season.
The only one that can possibly come out ahead here is Simmons, if he gets traded to a team that utilizes him properly. By playing him at PF, not PG.
If he goes to a team with enough shooters, he can be extremely effective.
Someone/team will have to convince/demand that he change positions. It’s a players league. Who has that cache?
@sdbaseball
Deal in REAL life. It takes two to make a deal. The fact that salaries have to match complicates matters further. If you have a team interested in Simmons but they’re unwilling to send you back near equal talent or another bad contract should they accept a) A Kevin Love or John Wall type contract or b) Spare parts that equal Simmons salary? What if what’s in the table doesn’t make them a better team but still eats up their salary cap?
If I were the owners I’d fight against the players in the next CBA deal to remove the necessity to match salaries when you’ve signed a player to a huge multiyear deal and thrn they demand a trade and make the situation untenable. Say what you want about the Sixers comments but nothing they said was a lie nor did they cross the line like saying something racist or otherwise offensive. Was in tacky? Was it embarrassing? Maybe. Were they lying? Absolutely not. I almost always take the players side but this is ridiculous and this is NOT the type of player empowerment I like to see. Say what you want about LBJ but he fulfilled every contract he signed and when he was unsure about Cavs mngmt he signed a bunch of 1 year options so he wouldn’t be stuck in a bad situation.
If Ben wants out, let him remove the salary matching provision and make him forfeit the remaining years beyond this upcoming season. Let’s see how bad he wants out then.
I have no problem with Morey playing this out if he’s not getting back a star level player or some combo of lesser players that simply match salaries.
Getting John Wall for Ben Simmons isn’t nearly as bad a return as people think it is. Of course the Rockets would have to include draft compensation, a first round pick or possibly even two (if needed).
But Wall looked much better last season than he’s given credit for.
Houston was being overly cautious by playing him only 40 games, he definitely could have played more. He turned 31 less than a month ago and could easily still have 2 or 3 good years left in him.
Your right, its worse
@Green
I was one that felt Wall or Wiggins wouldn’t be a bad idea but the question becomes, is Houston even interested? While Simmons might be better than Wall, Houston has made two things clear 1) They don’t want to use any 1st round pics to move Wall 2) They really don’t want another PG that would take interfere in the development of either Porter Jr or Green although Simmons inability to shoot might actually benefit both and allow them to play off the ball. In Houston, Simmons can be a true point forward. But will Houston be willing to send pics? Sixers would certainly insist on them. I would if I were them. Wall can’t hit the 3 but he’d be a better floor spacer than Simmons.
I don’t think Houston or GSW is interested.
And I really don’t think — even if you believe a Wall or Wiggins offer isn’t that bad — that those will be the best final offers, even with Simmons’ value at an all-time low.
I mean D’Angelo Russell is better than John Wall. And Wiggins although he’s a decent player doesn’t fill the void at PG.
You didn’t watch the shell of wall play my friend. Can’t hit threes, no explosion, lateral quickness gone. Sorry he’s toast.
Thats not even close to enough for Simmons. Just considering what the Sixers want according to reports Houston would have to include one of green/porter in any deal and thats a non starter for Houston
Walls shooting numbers were trash and his explosiveness didnt return. His contract needs 2-3 1st just to move, much less get BS back. It would be Wall plus 5 1sts or something. Trying to get off the worst contract in the NBA for 2 firsts where you bring back an all star, even if his value is down, keep dreaming bud.
Wall is not 100%. And him not playing tells me he’s not even close. No one is taking a chance on that for 91 million dollars. Wake up.
Ben situation was always headed here. Am I the only who knew this. Philly fans will never forget his playoffs choke. He already was a bad shooter. Now this. It was over after Hawks series. Morey is the Man from Uranus. Cause he had the move at the draft. Yet overplayed his hand. Since he’s used to kiising up to Divas. I was the owner I fire Morey and trade Ben to Kings. Kings would love to have a 24 yr old all star.
Smart move by my Sixers and a example for future petulant players who have long term deals. Hopefully the owners will address this problem in the upcoming negotiations during cba. Simmons is about to learn you don’t mess with jojo’s sixers.
Just like the players that refuse to get vaccinated if you miss games you shouldn’t get paid. I know my boss wouldn’t pay me if I did not show up for work.
Before anyone says the players union can sue,
Yes they can, yes they will. AND yes it will be very inconvenient for Ben all the while.
This is just a troll by the 6ers FO. But Simmons HAD BETTER continue his upstanding behavior off the court at this point and not let this unravel into varying degrees of void
@Freddy
How are the Sixers trolling? You want them to pay Ben according to his contract even tho he’s violating the contract and making it clear he doesn’t plan to ever play for them again? Where they do that at? Let me know so I can shoot them my resume.
Did you even read this article? “… according to Fischer, who says that league-office personnel and players’ union officials believe the Sixers are within their rights to withhold that payment.” Even the Union is siding with the Sixers on this.
Doesn’t mean they won’t sue. Everyone sues. From Philly’s standpoint this might not be trolling but it’s probably not helping.
The 8.25m is already on the books – they’re not going to get the money back unless Simmons sits out the whole season (which is lose-lose and would definitely be litigated either way). The only utilitarian aspect would be to squeeze Simmons to actually show up … but at this point does anyone believe this is going to be reconciled? What’s the point?
Stop making headlines and put said energy into finding an actual trade.
Why are we spending $33 million on an overgrown sensitive crybaby who’s afraid to shoot from the three point arc and has no confidence from the foul line either? It’s really a shame because this guy could be one of the best ever, if he would put a little work in the gym instead of running around SoCal with his rich and famous friends!
You signed him to the damn deal, when you knew who he was. He may be an overgrown crybaby, but this is on the adults in the room in the Sixers front office. They thought they could make Simmons-Embiid work when everyone around basketball knew it couldn’t. Now they’re too proud/macho to admit it and get out of this disaster.
While it’s true they shouldn’t pay him if he doesn’t show up it’s also true at this point they need to let Ben Simmons go. He doesn’t want to be there. Yeah he signed a contract but it’s not like the 76ers own him. Yeah they aren’t going get their perceived value, but somebody is better than nobody. Take what you can get so everyone involved can move forward.
Agree, they’re not winning a championship with him, they’re not winning a championship if he stays home and they’re probably not winning one with whomever they receive for him. Now get some picks, useable players and move on or you’ll be in the lottery before you know it. Withholding his money sounds nice to the folks in this discussion but will NOT go over well in the league and they need other players willing to play their in the future.
Good for the Sixers. They’ve screwed the pooch with this thing since the clueless Doc Rivers decided he was so important that he could throw his player under the bus with impunity. This, however, was necessary and clearly justified based on the facts as they’ve been set forth. If a deal makes sense, do it. If not, it’s a hold (not the best result, but BS has made it the best available result), and that has to apply to both parties. BS is withholding his services; so Sixers have to withhold his salary.
He’ll get his $8m. No arbitrator is going to side with the Sixers/league on this, because he is being punished in other ways for what he’s missed so far, per his contract and the CBA. Withholding the $8m is extra-contract, and that will take the arbitrator (or a judge) 5 minutes to figure out.
The remaining $16m are I think fair game.
@seamhokic
Being punished in other ways? Not the way it works. Emotions don’t come into play when dealing with arbitration. He’s not playing then he doesn’t get paid.
Do you work? Stay home. See if your employer pays you? He signed the contract. The Sixers didn’t tell him to stay home. He is choosing this route.
You are correct, showing up for practice is NOT a condition precedent to him being paid on October 1st. As such, he’ll win but still get fined for missed games.
It’s in escrow and they are going to take the fines out of it. He doesn’t have to pay the fines with post tax dollars I’d imagine. (A tax expert will need to confirm) Also, he is the one who had breach of contract. NBA teams do not have to pay you if you don’t show up to work. Even the nba players union is aware.
His value isn’t going to get any lower than it already is. It can’t. The withholding of pay is to be expected if Simmons is publicly holding out.
Min is probably keeping Russell off the table, and trading Simmons for Hield is akin to saying Simmons has equal value as Westbrook, given the Lakers trade package. I’m not even sure the Mavs are in the mood to flip KP for him straight up.
Wouldn’t be shocked if this is still going on through Xmas: Perhaps Beal won’t sign the extension and the Wiz stumble out of the gate. If you’re going to settle for Hield, why not wait to see if you could get LaVine if he’d extend? Maybe Charlotte/LAC will look for a major shake up at the deadline…
Well done by the Sixers, let this petulant child sit all 4 years.
Having no Heart is not an injury!
I’m ready to trade him for a bag of used towels, I’m done.
#FreeBenSimmons
Seems that Ben is getting punished for doing the only thing that the CBA allows him to do to get out of hell!
Following the only legal path left to you by the system & getting fined for it, SMH!
Talk about getting hit twice!
How is hell being on a #1 seed? Ridiculous take. Imagine being on a s**t team making no money. He is on a max contract with no balls. Terrible take.
Simmons is anothet step closer to being a W’s!
76ers should hold off on trades just for the sake of ridding themselves of him. They probably won’t be a championship caliber team whether he sits out or is traded for the best available current offer. They’ll still likely make it to post season.
Maybe by some stroke of luck, a team with championship aspirations ends up with a glaring need due to injury or bad roster configuration. Long shot, but the current options won’t put them over the top anyway.
Good for the Sixers.
Trade Simmons to the Thunder
He’s paid to play. He’s not sitting out due to injury, there’s no ‘good faith’ agreement between them – he has no good faith in him. So… I woudn’t pay him either, and I’d fine him the max allowed until he reports.
See he’s dumb. He should have shown up and “pulled a hamstring” or some other soft tissue injury on Day 1, shut his dang mouth, received his payments, and ultimately would have been traded.
Simmons for Dortz, a slew of picks and whatever players needed to match salaries. Sixers get a solid d young player who excels at defense and who Doc can develop plus great picks to surround Embid with for years to come. Thunder gets a superstar they can pair with SGA for now and eventually trade if they choose to.
Ben to Kings …… show us All . The basketball world
Put them back on the NBA map.
Philly have absolutely botched this. The fans and players are so stupid, they just make it worse. Ben didn’t play well vs Atlanta, but the way he played all season was a big reason Philly got the 1 seed. It’d be great if he could shoot or had a score first mentality, but some players have different strengths. He’s never going to score 30ppg on jumpers. This all started because Philly are butthurt they list and need someone to blame. He shot 15/45 on the series on FTs in 6 games, and if he hit a dozen more, someone else would’ve got the blame. Instead, you heap trash on him. Not very smart when you owe him $170m. Doc got out coached, the FO don’t know what they’re doing, the fans have no idea about hoops, saying he’s a G Leaguer, and on top of all that, he’s told he’s not wanted. No brainer. It’s a toxic workplace. I wouldn’t turn up either! He doesn’t need the money, he’ll get over $10m if he doesn’t play all year. Philly now still can’t let it go, they have idiot fans and players firing shots even while the FO are asking him to come back. They have ruined his trade value. They cant play him, trade him, waive him or use his cap space. The owners will not be happy paying a guy to sit, so I imagine they will weigh in very soon. I’d expect Philly to lose terribly on a trade, and the rest of the NBA know it, waiting patiently. With all this going on, Philly have probably botched this season already. Very poor all around. In the end, Ben will go somewhere else, play well and get paid, while Philly will be a Joel Embiid miniscus tear away from watching ping pong balls.
Great take!