Ben Simmons files grievance, claiming nearly $20 million from Sixers / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: AP Photo/Matt Slocum - Scanpix Credit AP Photo/Matt Slocum - Scanpix

Brooklyn Nets guard Ben Simmons has filed a grievance that will be decided through an arbitration process after the Philadelphia 76ers withheld nearly $20 million of his salary this season, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski and Ramona Shelburne reported

Ben Simmons

Team:Brooklyn NetsPosition:SF, PFAge:25Height:208 cmWeight:104 kgBirth place:AustraliaProfileNewsStatistics

The 25-year-old requested a trade this offseason, president of basketball operations Daryl Morey said at the team's media day, then held out of training camp. He eventually reported to the team but was kicked out of a practice for being "a distraction," per head coach Doc Rivers.

On October 22, the Australian met with teammates and told them he was not mentally ready to play. Ultimately, he was trade to the Netsin February, along with Seth Curry and Andre Drummond in a package for James Harden.

Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul, who represents Simmons, expressed his displeasure with the Sixers' handling of the three-time All-Star's situation in November.

"I truly believe the fines, the targeting, the negative publicity shined on the issue. That’s very unnecessary and has furthered the mental health issues for Ben," Paul told The Athletic's Shams Charania. "Either you help Ben, or come out and say he’s lying. Which one is it?".

Simmons spent time around the Sixers throughout the season, attending some shootarounds and film sessions. The Sixers fined him regularly, though. As ESPN summarizes, "The 76ers and Simmons disagreed over the degrees of access that the team and its doctors were allotted to the player's diagnosis and affirm those mental health concerns."

Simmons has yet to play for the Nets because of a back injury setback during his ramp-up process. Brooklyn are 40-37, ranking eighth in the Eastern Conference standings.

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