PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — When will the Ben Simmons drama end in Philadelphia? Will he start the season with the 76ers? A new report from ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski says Ben Simmons will not report for the opening of training camp next week and intends to never play another game as a 76er.
Simmons hasn’t spoken to the Sixers since a meeting in August when he told them he wouldn’t be attending camp.
READ MORE: SEPTA Union Unanimously Approves Strike If Deal Isn't ReachedWoj reported the news on Twitter Tuesday morning.
“ESPN Sources: Philadelphia 76ers All-Star Ben Simmons will not report for opening of training camp next week and intends to never play another game for the franchise,” Woj tweeted. “Simmons hasn’t spoken to the team since a late August meeting when he communicated this message to Sixers officials.”
ESPN Sources: Philadelphia 76ers All-Star Ben Simmons will not report for opening of training camp next week and intends to never play another game for the franchise. Simmons hasn’t spoken to team since a late August meeting when he communicated this message to Sixers officials.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 21, 2021
On Monday, FearTheSword’s Evan Dammarell tweeted that the Houston Rockets were “seriously interested” in trading for Simmons before training camp and that John Wall would be the focus of their trade package.
READ MORE: Philadelphia Weather: Chance Of Severe Weather As Parts Of Region Could See Up To 3 Inches Of RainAfter talking to some folks over the weekend, it seems the Houston Rockets are seriously interested in acquiring 76ers forward Ben Simmons prior to the start of training camp.
Things remain fluid but John Wall would be headed to Philadelphia in a possible trade, per sources.
— Evan Dammarell (@AmNotEvan) September 20, 2021
But later in the day Monday, Marc Stein reported that the 76ers are “intent on trying to convince Simmons to report” despite reports of Simmons not reporting to the start of camp.
The expectation remains, one week out from 76ers media day, that Ben Simmons will choose not to report to the team's training camp, league sources say. But the Sixers, sources say, remain intent on trying to convince Simmons to report.
More NBA from me at https://t.co/A6ycVmnrjq
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) September 20, 2021
Last week, a sports columnist with the Bucks County Courier Times and Gannett/USA Today, reported the Sixers are expecting Simmons to play for the franchise in the 2021-22 season and they expect things to get better despite the “bumpy” relationship right now.
More #NBA source: 'Eventually he's going to show up. (#Sixers will) go from there.' They apparently plan to fine Simmons if he doesn't attend 2021-22 camp, preseason & so on. Don't want to trade for draft picks & try to convert to players. Can't get any of 5-10 NBA guys they like https://t.co/CVfFbQLJH4
— Tom Moore (@TomMoorePhilly) September 15, 2021
The Sixers have been open about dealing the three-time all-star during the offseason, but they know his worth and haven’t liked any potential trade offers enough to pull the trigger.
MORE NEWS: Lower Merion Police Help Dog Walkers Become More Aware, Alert While On WalksSimmons is under contract through 2025.
