Report: Simmons rejects meeting with teammates on 76ers rift
It appears the relationship between the Philadelphia 76ers and Ben Simmons is beyond repair, with the point guard rejecting a meeting with his teammates.
Players from the Sixers, including center Joel Embiid and power forward Tobias Harris, planned to fly to Los Angeles to meet with the All-Star to convince him to rejoin the team this season, but Simmons told them out of courtesy not to come, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.
Simmons is not changing his position on his trade request and did not want his teammates to waste their time traveling to LA for nothing, reports Charania.
No trade deal for Simmons
The point guard made it clear during the offseason that he no longer wants to play for the 76ers. He told the team that he wished to be traded, but no deal has been struck so far.
Despite being a three-time All-Star, the 76ers “have not received an offer they deem enough to move Simmons,” per Charania.
Until a new agreement is hammered out, the impasse will continue between the team and Simmons, who is under contract with the 76ers for four more seasons.
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Simmons' disastrous performance
The player had received flak for his below par performance last season, with the 76ers losing to the Atlanta Hawks in the second round of the playoffs. His dismal showing had raised doubts about his capacity to be a championship-caliber point guard.
NBA training camp begins on Monday, and the point guard is still in the west coast. He is not expected to report for duty in Philadelphia. Simmons is apparently standing by his decision and is willing to pay the price of skipping training camp.
Charania says the 2016 number one draft pick has “mentally checked out” of playing with the team.