Ben Simmons, 76ers meet; status unchanged
FILE – Head coach Doc Rivers of the Philadelphia 76ers speaks with Ben Simmons. Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)
Representatives for Ben Simmons and the Philadelphia 76ers had a brief sitdown Wednesday but there was no change in position on either side, ESPN reported.
The All-Star guard demanded a trade during the offseason, but the 76ers (23-16) are holding firm that any deal shipping Simmons out of Philly must bring an equal caliber player in return.
President of basketball operations Daryl Morey and general manager Elton Brand huddled with Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul, ESPN reported, with the NBA trade deadline one month away. Sources told ESPN the meeting took place at a Philadelphia restaurant and Morey informed Paul any trade must improve the 76ers.
ESPN reported the asking price for Simmons has increased, citing NBA decision-makers who’ve held talks with the 76ers. Last week, reports surfaced the Sixers were considering asking teams to also take the contract of forward Tobias Harris. Harris is owed more than $79 million the next two seasons.
The 25-year-old Simmons still has no interest in returning to the team, ESPN reported, and is being fined heavily during an absence he said involves mental health, per the report.
He briefly returned from an offseason spent away from the team just days before the start of the season, but Simmons was sent home for conduct detrimental to the team.
Simmons is signed through the 2024-25 season.
Harris, who is averaging 18.4 points, 7.5 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game, is playing through a shoulder injury. Philadelphia has won seven consecutive games entering Wednesday’s game with the Charlotte Hornets.
