REPORT: All-Star guard Ben Simmons want out of Philadelphia
Philadelphia 76ers point guard Ben Simmons has informed that team that he is no longer interested in playing for the team, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer’s Keith Pompey. The three-time All-Star has four years and $147 million left on his current deal.
Tensions between Simmons and the team have boiled throughout the offseason as multiple reports indicate the 76ers are open to shopping their starting point guard for the right price. New reports indicate Simmons wants out now and does not plan to attend training camp.
76ers fans became increasingly frustrated with Ben Simmons’ refusal to shoot open jumpers and his inability to score outside the paint during a disappointing second round exit in the NBA playoffs. Simmons averaged 11.9 points, 7.9 rebounds and 8.8 assists but shot just 34.2 percent from the free throw line and went 0-for-1 from the 3-point line, not attempting a 3 in the final 11 games.
The end of the process
The Philadelphia 76ers famed process looks to be coming to a disappointing end as the team shops its unhappy star around the league. Philadelphia architect Sam Hinkie has been out of the league since 2016, when the team opted to hand his young project to a new general manager.
Nerlens Noel, his first prized draft pick, is now suing his agent for loss of incoming as he bounces around the league as a role player. The only remaining piece of the original puzzle is 76ers star center Joel Embiid, who despite an All-NBA caliber season, remains unable to click with his co-star.
Hinkie’s former boss in Houston, Daryl Morey has now signed on with the 76ers to usher in a new area beside general manager Elton Brand. A potential Ben Simmons trade would set the tone of a new era in Philadelphia.
Potential Simmons deals
Simmons “has cut off communication with basically everyone in the Sixers organization” and everything is going through his agent, Rich Paul, per a previous report by Jason Dumas of KRON4 News in San Francisco.
Dumas adds that Simmons is “open” to playing for the Golden State Warriors.
The Sixers have reportedly discussed a potential Simmons trade with the Warriors, but the two sides have progressed in talks so far.
Other teams mentioned often by experts in Simmons deals are the Sacramento Kings and the Minnesota Timberwolves. Both young teams are looking to add an All-NBA talent at a discount but so far the 76ers demands have been too high for either.