The possibility of Ben Simmons reporting to the 76ers has "increased in recent days," ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reports.
Wojnarowski adds that the 76ers and Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul, who represents Simmons, have "progressed in talks" on a resolution to bring the three-time All-Star back.
Discussions are said to be ongoing.
The organization's hopes are unchanged: Get Simmons back into Philadelphia, onto the court and ultimately convince him that it's still the place for the long-term.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 11, 2021
The Athletic's Shams Charania reported last week that Simmons had emptied his home in Philadelphia and his place will soon go up for sale, his mentality being that "a trade is coming at some point." If Simmons does report to the 76ers, Charania says it would be with "short-term intentions."
It's been reported that Simmons intends to "never play another game" for the 76ers. He did not show up for Philadelphia's media day or training camp ahead of the 2021-22 season.
The No. 1 pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, Simmons has career averages of 15.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, 7.7 assists and 1.7 steals per game. In addition to three All-Star selections, he has one All-NBA Third Team selection and two All-Defensive First Team selections to his name.
Having signed a five-year extension in 2019, Simmons is under contract through the 2024-25 season.
The 76ers open their season on Oct. 20 with a matchup against the Pelicans in New Orleans. Their home-opener is on Oct. 22 against the Brooklyn Nets.
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