NBA: Australian star Ben Simmons back in Philadelphia and step closer to returning to the 76ers

As the cost of Ben Simmons’ absence from Philadelphia continues to rise, the Aussie superstar has made a big move.

Ben Simmons blindsided the Philadelphia 76ers when he turned up for a Covid-19 test inside the team’s Wells Fargo Centre before a pre-season game with Brooklyn in what could be the first step in making a shock return to the team.

The Australian has been locked in a stand-off with the 76ers after declaring he wanted to be traded and he had refused to attend pre-season training.

But as a trade deal failed to materialise, Simmons was fined for missing training camp and then again for every pre-season game he missed, at a cost of $494,000 every time.

After his management was told by the NBA players association there was no way of recouping that money, Simmons returned to Philadelphia much to the surprise of his coach and teammates.

Sixers All-Star Ben Simmons has arrived in Philadelphia and took a Covid-19 test -- as required by NBA protocol, sources tell ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 12, 2021

Philadelphia coach Doc Rivers confirmed after the team’s win over Brooklyn on Tuesday that Simmons had been at the stadium, but he hadn’t spoken to him.

The test is the first step in the NBA’s Covid-19 biosecurity protocols, and Simmons will be able to train with teammates this week once he clears the protocol demands.

Rivers did reveal he knew Simmons had arrived back in Philadelphia after the long stand-off but said he hadn’t spoken to the 25-year-old All-Star.

Doc Rivers wants Ben Simmons at Philadelphia. Picture: Mitchell Leff/Getty Images/AFP

The coach reiterated he wanted Simmons back.

“We’ve said from day one what we wanted,” Rivers told reporters.

“That we would love to get him back. Other than that, honestly there’s nothing to report. … Our position hasn’t changed at all.”

Simmons’ All Star teammate Joel Embiid, after being informed of the developments post-game, said he hadn’t spoken to the Australian since they were eliminated from the playoffs in June.

Embiid said he had tried to speak to Simmons but had been unsuccessful.

“I personally haven’t talked to him since the season ended,” he said.

“I tried, but I wasn’t as successful as a lot of my teammates have been. Like I said, it’s unfortunate the whole situation happened, but, like I said, we’re a better team with him on the floor.

“I think there’s going to be some adjustments, but it doesn’t need to be awkward.

“We’re all professionals. We want to win. I want to win. He gives me the best chance to win so that’s what I’m gonna go with.”

It had been reported previously that Simmons would be prepared to sit out the entire season if a trade couldn’t be organised.

But it’s understood Simmons’ manager, Rich Paul, has begun talks with the 76ers about his client making a return to the team.