The Ben Simmons-Sixers situation is getting more awkward.
As both sides attempt to find the All-Star point guard a new home, Simmons is reportedly giving the cold shoulder to Philadelphia. He has “cut off communication with basically everyone in the Sixers organization,” Jason Dumas of KRON4 News reported Thursday, adding that Simmons’ agent Rich Paul of Klutch Sports is mediating the situation.
Simmons is reportedly “open” to going to the Warriors. Though, a separate report last week claimed Philadelphia and Golden State couldn’t reach an agreement on a deal.
According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, Sixers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey proposed a hefty offer for Simmons that included first-round picks, as well as Andrew Wiggins and James Wiseman — which the Warriors found laughable.
On Wednesday, Brandon Robinson of Bally Sports reported the Warriors and Sixers “reengaged” in trade talks involving Simmons. The Sixers are described as “extremely motivated to get this deal done.”
As Philadelphia continues to spend the offseason shopping Simmons around, Morey has maintained his high asking price for the Australian star. But so far, he hasn’t had any luck.
Despite the trade drama, Simmons is a high-caliber regular season player with defensive promise — whose resume includes one All-NBA defense accolade and a 2018 rookie of the year award.
Last season, Simmons averaged 14.3 points, 7.2 rebounds and 6.9 assists per game, and has proved he is versatile enough to play multiple positions. Even so, the 6-foot-11 point guard’s lack of shooting is a real problem and ultimately translated into the worst playoff performance of his career.
Simmons, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, has four years left on his $177 million contract.
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