Clearly, it isn’t always sunny in Philadelphia.
Ben Simmons is reportedly “done” with the Sixers, indicating that he won’t play another game until he’s traded. He’s also threatened to skip training camp if the team doesn’t move him.
Simmons has four years left on his contract, and the Sixers aren’t moving him until they get fair value in return — and his value is decreasing by the day.
Then there are the financial repercussions that come with a holdout. Simmons will be fined $227,613 for every preseason and regular-season game he misses, along with additional fines if he doesn’t report to media day and/or practices.
The Process Is Trending Down: During the 2018-19 season, Philadelphia’s starting five consisted of Simmons, JJ Redick, Jimmy Butler, Tobias Harris, and Joel Embiid. Redick left the following season (and announced his retirement on Tuesday), and Butler bailed for Miami.
Something Else To Think About: Would there be as much turmoil in Philly if Kawhi Leonard’s shot didn’t fall in Game 7 of the 2018-19 Eastern Conference Finals? The Raptors defeated the depleted Warriors in the Finals. Put the Sixers in their shoes, and they likely win it all.
Instead, they lost two integral championship pieces.
Now, their first-overall pick in 2016 is demanding a trade. Only three players would remain from that ‘18-19 team: Embiid, Harris, and Furkan Korkmaz.
This story is far from over.