Adrian Wojnarowski Says Ben Simmons Intends To Never Play For The Philadelphia 76ers Again

ESPN

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The Philadelphia 76ers have not yet traded Ben Simmons away to another franchise, and it looks as though the clock is ticking for the team. Training camp will be coming up really soon, and it seems as though there's no hope of Ben Simmons putting on a 76ers uniform once again.

Adrian Wojnarowski has recently stated that Ben Simmons intends to never play for the Philadelphia 76ers again while also stating that Simmons is also willing to get fined if he isn't traded, as he remains steadfast in his desire to be moved. This situation is reminiscent of other times where star players sat out games in order to get moved, and perhaps a Ben Simmons trade will be coming sooner rather than later.

In the article accompanying his Tweets, Adrian Wojnarowski relayed that Ben Simmons has become "increasingly frustrated with his partnership" with the 76ers even prior to his bad series against the Atlanta Hawks. Wojnarowski also mentioned that Ben Simmons could potentially lose $227,613 per game if the 76ers were to suspend him.

In a looming standoff that could have lasting implications for the NBA, Philadelphia 76ers All-Star forward Ben Simmons will not report for the opening of training camp next week and intends to never play another game for the franchise, sources told ESPN.

Simmons, 25, wants a trade out of Philadelphia and told management that he has no plans to wear an NBA uniform again until he's moved to a new team, sources said.

Simmons has four years and $147 million left on his max contract -- including $33 million for 2021-22 -- and clearly understands the potential financial implications of sitting out. The Sixers could test Simmons' willingness to stay away by fining him considerable salary.

Beyond the league's collective bargaining agreement, which provides the ability for the Sixers to withhold salary for a player's failure to provide services, the Sixers have their own set of rules that include fines for missing media day and each missed practice. The final resort for the Sixers could be to suspend Simmons for "failing to render services" once preseason games begin -- which could cost Simmons $227,613 for each missed game.

Simmons' poor performance in a Eastern Conference semifinals loss to the Atlanta Hawks played a role in this drama playing out, but Simmons has become increasingly frustrated with his partnership with the Sixers over time, sources said.

There's no question that at some point, it may be better to move a disgruntled player like Ben Simmons in order to avoid any chemistry problems going into next season. While the 76ers may not get the exact return they want, it is likely that Ben Simmons could still fetch solid players who can contribute immediately in a trade.

It remains to be seen what the Philadelphia 76ers will end up doing with Ben Simmons, but it looks as though Simmons will be leaving Philadelphia at some point. Perhaps both sides would be better off by ending their partnership, and we'll see where Ben Simmons ends up.