Update 10/03/2021 2:20pm:
Ben Simmons and the drama surrounding him and the Philadelphia 76ers have made waves, as the player reportedly lost out on $8.25 million. Despite the massive fines, Simmons made it clear he doesn’t care if he loses more. Simmons has put it out in the open that he doesn’t want to continue with the Sixers, and wants a trade. Now, reports surfaced claiming trade talks in relation to Simmons are “nearly dead.”
Kurt Herlin of NBC Sports fired off a report that spoke on Simmons missing out on being traded. The report said, “Meanwhile, real Simmons trade talk between the 76ers and other teams continues to be nearly dead, sources tell NBC Sports. Teams have settled into their rosters for the start of the season. Until a franchise suffers a significant injury or gets off to a slower-than-expected start (or, maybe faster), there is nothing to change that dynamic and spark a deal.”
It was noted that Philadelphia was trying to target Western Conference teams to send Simmons to. Simmons reportedly wants to be on a team with a better offense but is facing an uphill battle because of the four years left on his contract.
source: NBC Sports
Original 10/01/2021 10:37pm:
The Philadelphia 76ers are now in the phase of withholding pay from Ben Simmons as the holdout nears closer to the start of the NBA regular season.
According to reports, Simmons was owed the second installment of his salary for the season which amounted to $8.25 million. The Sixers are standing on the fact that Simmons is refusing to honor his contract which still has him in Philly for four years.
To undermine Philly's move to withhold pay, "Simmons could respond by actually reporting to Philadelphia in the coming days, but maintaining that he is injured and unable to compete. Simmons has had noted knee and back injuries in the previous two seasons."
NBA executives believe this could set up a bad precedent for front offices because it will give players under long-term contracts a new way out.
Source: bleacherreport.com
