‘Selfish’ Ben Simmons to ‘never play another game’ for 76ers

Ben Simmons isn’t mucking around while running towards the exit door in Philadelphia as he puts the 76ers in an impossible position.

Ben Simmons wants out of Philadelphia. Photo: Getty Images.

Ben Simmons will reportedly follow through on his threat to boycott training camp next week as part of his push to secure a trade out of Philadelphia.

The Aussie NBA star’s relationship with his team broke down following heavy criticism after the 76ers were dumped out of the playoffs last season — with much of the scrutiny falling on Simmons and his unwillingness to shoot.

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Teammate Joel Embiid pointed to Simmons’ now infamous pass under the rim as the moment that broke the Sixers’ season, while coach Doc Rivers couldn’t guarantee the 25-year-old was capable of leading Philly to a championship.

Simmons still has four years and a whopping $203m remaining on his deal but is reportedly prepared to be fined for skipping training camp and possibly even sitting out games so he can force a release.

ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported on Wednesday morning Simmons had made up his mind and nothing will bring him back to Philly — not even the risk of being fined as much as $308,000 each day he doesn’t show up.

“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,” Wojnarowski reported on Twitter.

“Simmons hasn’t spoken to team since a late August meeting when he communicated this message to Sixers officials.

“Simmons is clearly aware of sanctions available to organisation to fine and suspend him, including withholding of salary. But so far, Simmons appears willing to carry out a plan of forcing his way to a new team.

“Sixers have yet to find a trade they’re willing to make for him.”

Simmons is looking for the exit. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images North America / AFP)

The Sixers aren’t willing to part with Simmons yet because they haven’t found a suitable trade package. Many believe his trade value dropped to an all-time low after his performances against Atlanta in the playoffs, but the Sixers still want a big-name player as part of any deal to release Simmons — something they haven’t been able to acquire yet.

It led to reports the 76ers are prepared to keep Simmons on their books if a satisfactory trade deal can’t be reached. They’ve tried to negotiate a deal to seal Simmons’ exit from the franchise, but discussions with other teams have fallen down.

Speaking on SportsCenter, Wojnarowski added: “The Sixers are yet to find a deal they are willing to do.

“They want Ben Simmons in camp, they want to see his trade value improve and then find a deal out in the marketplace but right now they are going to do it with him on the sidelines because his intention now is to not play another game for that organisation.

“They’ve asked for a steep return. It is hard to trade a star player when you are a contender because you are trying to get back the pieces that keep you a contender now.

“The offers on the marketplace just did not meet the threshold that (76ers basketball operations boss) Daryl Morey and Doc Rivers want in Philly. Now there is a standoff.

“Perhaps it takes the season to start. One or two teams struggling and saying, ‘We’ve got to be more aggressive in our offer’. Philly just looked at the offers and said, ‘Let’s see what we can get during the season’ but Ben Simmons is not willing to report and play another game for the Sixers.

“This is a team in Philly that has championship aspirations and they are diminished without Ben Simmons on the court.”

John Wall’s name has been brought into the trade saga. Photo: Carmen Mandato/Getty Images/AFP

ESPN reports the Sixers could suspend Simmons for “failing to render services” if he refuses to suit up once pre-season games begin.

Speaking on ESPN’s The Jump on Wednesday, co-host Cassidy Hubbarth said Simmons “just looks selfish”.

Reports in US media emerged on Tuesday the Houston Rockets want to make a play for Simmons, with suggestions five-time All-Star John Wall could be offered up as trade bait.

On Wednesday, Simmons shared a clip to his Instagram story of him and Wall working out on the court together. In the short video, Wall turns to the camera and jokes: “Hey Ben, leave me the f*** alone, Ben.”

Former NBA star Jay Williams said Simmons was aggrieved by how he’s been treated in Philadelphia.

“I do feel like the way they utilise Ben in Philadelphia is not his position, he is more of a small power forward guy who can take the ball and push it down the court,” Williams said on US television.

“That is his optimal position and I don’t think Doc had the right time to utilise him correctly.

“The way he was treated — Philadelphia did have a double-digit lead in multiple games against Atlanta — but the way Ben Simmons got thrown under the bus to a degree by Joel Embiid and Doc Rivers, I think that all was telling that Ben does not want to be there and can find a better location.

“I’m not taking away the onus from Ben’s lack of shooting, I’m not making excuses. All I’m saying is a change of scenery for Ben would be exponentially better.”

Meanwhile, Washington Post sports writer Michael Lee said the standoff will completely break Simmons’ relationship with the 76ers and their fans.

“Ben Simmons sank the 76ers’ championship hopes by refusing to shoot & has now tanked his trade value by refusing to show up,” Lee tweeted.

“He has some legit gripes about being thrown under the bus after his flop but Philly won’t forgive him for running from accountability for his own failings.”

What comes next? Photo: Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images/AFP

Earlier this month NBA legends Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley ripped into Simmons over his ongoing trade saga.

“I’m disappointed in Ben Simmons,” Barkley said on O’Neal’s Big Podcast. “When you give somebody $200 million to dribble a stupid basketball, and the only thing you ask him is be better as a player, and their first response is, ‘I don’t wanna play here anymore’, that disappoints me as a player, that disappoints me as a fan.

“They’re not saying, ‘Come over and cut my grass’. They’re saying, ‘Ben, we need you to learn how to shoot the basketball’.”

O’Neal also took aim, dragging Simmons’ social media activity and personal life into things.

“Ben Simmons, you’re not that good,” he said. “In this league, do you want to be good? Or do you want to be great? You’re not great. But if you want to get to that next level, you have to be great, and to be great, you have to work on your game.

“Don’t be putting pictures up on your Instagram of your Ferrari or what actress you’re hanging around with. When you play for a town like Philadelphia, Boston, LA, Miami, hard-working towns, they don’t give a s**t about none of that. They want you to come work hard and play hard.”