Have we seen the last of Ben Simmons in a Philadelphia 76ers uniform?
According to Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer, Simmons informed the franchise in a meeting last week that he "no longer wants to remain a Sixer."
Pompey added that the three-time All-Star doesn't intend on reporting to training camp with the 76ers.
MORE: What Simmons would bring to a team
Ben Simmons tells #Sixers brass he no longer wants to be a Sixer and does not intend to report to training camp, according to multiple sources. https://t.co/17X1XfkzZO via @phillyinquirer
— Keith Pompey (@PompeyOnSixers) August 31, 2021
The 76ers have known that Simmons' preference is to be traded before the 2021-22 NBA season starts, per Marc Stein.
The Sixers have been aware for some time that Ben Simmons' preference is to be traded before the season starts, league sources say. Philadelphia, through a team spokesman, declined comment today.
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) August 31, 2021
As this newsletter reminds, Daryl Morey has cut it close on big trades before. https://t.co/3nnAvsKRwZ
On July 13, 2021, Shams Charania of The Athletic reported that the 76ers had opened up trade conversations surrounding Simmons with teams.
There is "no shortage of teams still interested" in Simmons at this point, according to Pompey, but 76ers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey is said to be "demanding a king's ransom."
Following the 2021 NBA Draft, David Aldridge of The Athletic reported that the 76ers are seeking a minimum of four future first-round picks and "an All-Star-level player in most (but not all) scenarios" in return for Simmons.
"Think about three months ago when the Sixers are willing to give up Ben Simmons. You are like, 'Let's see what we have to do to get him,'" an anonymous Western Conference executive told Pompey. "Now, the difference is Ben Simmons says he refuses to play for the Sixers. He wants to go to three California teams. There's so much bad blood between him and the team."
The No. 1 pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, Simmons has career averages of 15.9 points, 8.1 rebounds and 7.7 assists per game. In addition to three All-Star selections, he's earned one All-NBA Third Team selection and two All-Defensive First Team selections.
Simmons signed an extension with the 76ers in 2019. His current contract is set to end following the 2024-25 season.
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