The relationship between the Philadelphia 76ers and Ben Simmons has taken a turn for the worse. The guard has reportedly cut off all ties with the organization as the trade offers continue to pile up.
Philadelphia 76ers endured a frustrating post-season and bowed out to Atlanta Hawks in the Eastern Conference semi-finals. They had a stellar regular season and finished as the number one seed.
Ben Simmons was considered an offensive liability throughout the series against the Hawks. His lack of making free throws and attempting shots arguably resulted in the 76ers’ elimination.
Following the culmination of their season, coach Doc Rivers had expressed doubts over whether Simmons can be a guard in a championship-winning team. However, he had claimed that he will work with the player. Moreover, Ben Simmons had also opted out of the Australian Olympic team to focus on the upcoming NBA season.
Source: Ben Simmons has cut off communication with basically everyone in the Sixers organization. Everything is going thru his agent, Rich Paul. Ben is open to going to the GSWs though he doesn’t have much leverage in the situation.
— Jason Dumas (@JDumasReports) August 5, 2021
According to recent reports, the former rookie of the year apparently has been ignoring the franchise through the off-season. While the 76ers have refuted those claims, it is not the case, it is believed that the communication is being taken place between the franchise and the player’s agent, Rich Paul.
“They haven’t been able to really even get in touch with Ben since the season ended,” Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer said. “Like, there was an intent to have a workout plan or whatever — like in any offseason. That’s always kind of been the case, that the Sixers haven’t been able to align with a development plan … It just doesn’t sound like there’s ever been movement to come together on the same page to do that, and it hasn’t really worked this summer either.”
Simmons has not even returned teammate Joel Embiid’s calls. The MVP candidate had indirectly blamed Simmons for their injury after he passed the ball instead of attempting to shoot or dunk near the basket.
The guard is reportedly being hunted by Golden State Warriors and the Portland Trailblazers. He is said to be open to the idea of joining the Warriors, but the franchise will have put up a big offer for Simmons with the 76ers desiring an All-Star player in return.
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