Ben Simmons cops monster $26 million blow, blasts teammate’s hypocrisy

A resolution to the Ben Simmons-Philadelphia 76ers saga is no closer, but the basketballer will be leaking cash as long as it drags on.

TAMPA, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 21: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers passes during a game against the Toronto Raptors at Amalie Arena on February 21, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

Ben Simmons has reportedly lost a whopping $26.6 million this NBA season as his stand-off with the Philadelphia 76ers appears likely to continues past next week’s trade deadline.

The Australian-born guard hasn’t played a single game for the 76ers this season after he demanded a trade following criticism by his coach and star teammate of his performance in last season’s playoffs.

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With the mid-season NBA trade deadline of February 10 fast approaching, it seems Simmons won’t be going anywhere as Sixers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey holds firm on his desire to land a bona fide superstar in exchange for the disgruntled Simmons.

If Simmons isn’t traded to another team soon, his hip pocket will continue to be hit hard.

According to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne, Simmons has been fined US$19 million (A$26.6 million) so far this season for refusing to take to the court for games and practice sessions.

Based on those numbers, every game Simmons doesn’t play for Philadelphia, he is copping a USD$360,000 (A$500,000) fine.

Shelburne reported that while the 25-year-old hasn’t been paid since October 1 last year, he isn’t concerned about missing out on his massive paycheck.

“We don’t give a f*** about the money,” one source close to Simmons told ESPN.

Ben Simmons is bleeding cash as he sits on the sidelines.

“That’s not what this is. It’s hard for people to understand. But if you believe in what you’re doing and that this is not the right situation for you, and you’re trying to get to a better place, the money doesn’t matter. Obviously it’s a financial hit. But you adjust.”

While Simmons is still contracted to Philadelphia, he is training away from the team’s facilities and has been seeing his own therapist to help with his mental health.

Simmons is reportedly not in a good place and is still angry at coach Doc Rivers and his teammate Joel Embiid for throwing him under the bus after his shocker against the Atlanta Hawks in last season’s playoffs.

And according to ESPN, Simmons is upset Embiid seemed to blame him for last season’s playoff loss, when Simmons didn’t blame Embiid for his poor showing in the Eastern Conference Finals against the Toronto Raptors in 2019.

Embiid averaged 17.6 points, 8.7 rebounds and 3.3 assists in that series. He scored more than 20 points just once and only managed 16 points in nailbiting loss to the Raptors in game seven.

Ben Simmons still isn’t over being hung out to dry by Joel Embiid. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

After defeating the Sixers, the Raptors went on to win their maiden NBA championship that season.

Simmons’ sly dig at Embiid’s apparent hypocrisy in not sticking by him after last year’s playoffs suggests there is zero chance the pair will reunite for Philadelphia this season.

It presents an intriguing dilemma for Morey and the Sixers as the NBA enters the home stretch of the regular season and with the playoffs on the horizon.

Embiid is in red-hot form and has vaulted into MVP discussions while dragging the Sixers up to second in the Eastern Conference standings.

In an incredible stretch of 21 games, the giant Cameroonian averaged 33.1 points, 10.7 rebounds and 4.5 rebounds.

With Simmons sitting on the sidelines, the Sixers must weigh up if they are content to get nothing in return for him at the trade deadline and gamble on Embiid being able to take Philly to a championship on his own.