Report: Ben Simmons wants out of the Sixers, won't report to training camp / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: AFP – Scanpix Credit AFP – Scanpix

Three-time All-Star forward Ben Simmons has four years and $147 million remaining on his deal with the Philadelphia 76ers.

Ben Simmons

Position:SF, PFAge:25Height:208 cmWeight:104 kgBirth place:AustraliaProfileNewsStatistics

However, as Keith Pompey of the Inquirer reports, in a meeting with franchise management last week in Los Angeles, Simmons told team co-managing partner Josh Harris, president of basketball operations Daryl Morey, general manager Elton Brand, and coach Doc Rivers that he no longer wants to remain a Sixer. Sources said he also does not intend to report to training camp.

For the second time since December, the Sixers are unsuccessfully trying to trade Simmons, whose trade value has diminished. At the beginning of this past season, they tried to send him to the Houston Rockets in exchange for James Harden. The Rockets ultimately traded Harden to the Brooklyn Nets.

Though the 2016 No. 1 overall pick is considered a talented playmaker and defender, his inability - or unwillingness - to take shots reared its head during the series loss to the Atlanta Hawks. Rivers said he didn't "know the answer to that right now" when asked if Simmons could be the starting point guard of a championship team.

NBA journalist Marc Stein reported that the Sixers have known of Simmons' desire to be traded "for some time." The 76ers have not commented on the reports.

A three-time All-Star, Simmons has started all 275 games he has played in four NBA seasons, all with the 76ers. He owns career averages of 15.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.7 assists per game.

According to the same report, the Sixers’ best consolation could be circling back to the Blazers for a potential deal involving shooting guard CJ McCollum before the start of training camp. Simmons will make $33 million next season, while McCollum will receive $30.8 million.Simmons is a two-time NBA All-Defensive player and a third-team All-NBA selection.

The 76ers are scheduled to open camp on September 28.

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