The dissolving relationship between Ben Simmons and the Philadelphia 76ers hit another low point this week.
Follow Us
The dissolving relationship between Ben Simmons and the Philadelphia 76ers hit another low point this week. The embattled All-Star told teammates wishing to meet with him in Los Angeles not to come. This is according to multiple reports in the media.
A large majority of the roster, including the likes of Joel Embiid and Tobias Harris, was planning to fly to Los Angeles. The reason? They wanted to talk to Simmons and convincing him to rejoin the team for the start of the season. However, Simmons will not budge on his trade request and did not want his teammates to make the trip for no reason.
Earlier this summer, Simmons informed the Sixers that he wanted to be traded. But so far no deal has been found. This is despite the fact that Simmons is a three-time All-Star and one of the best defensive players in the league. The Sixers are stuck in a difficult position with absolutely no leverage in trade discussions.
As of now, there are no disgruntled stars elsewhere angling for a trade. They also don’t want to move him for 50 cents on the dollar because despite his limitations he is talented. Also, since they are trying to maximize Embiid’s prime and compete for a title right now, prospects and picks aren’t enticing either. That’s left them hoping they could convince Simmons to at least start the season with the team. Perhaps after a few weeks of games, and some strong performances, his trade value would increase.
But with training camp now just a few days away, Simmons is still on the West Coast and plans to hold out. Despite the threat of fines, reports earlier this week indicated he is intent on never playing for the Sixers again. He is “mentally checked out” of the situation, according to the reports.
For now, things remain at an impasse, and that won’t change until the Sixers are willing to lower their asking price. Or, of course, Simmons changes his mind about reporting to the team. The longer it takes for either side to flinch, the uglier this is going to get.
NBA is enforcing local vaccine requirements in New York and San Francisco for players on the teams in those cities. San Francisco requires anyone 12 or older to provide proof of vaccination at large indoor events, such as Warriors games at Chase Center, unless there is an approved medical or religious exemption for them not doing so.
That means that all Warriors players must be vaccinated in order to play in home games. Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins requested a religious exemption from the league, but it was denied. Now, Wiggins must get vaccinated in order to play in home games. The league released the following statement on Friday:
The NBA has reviewed and denied Andrew Wiggins’ request for religious exemption from the San Francisco Department of Public Health’s order requiring COVID-19 vaccination for all participants age 12 and older at large indoor events. Wiggins will not be able to play in Warriors home games until he fulfills the city’s vaccination requirements.
