Philadelphia 76ers, Ben Simmons reach settlement on grievance over withheld pay

Brooklyn Nets All-Star guard Ben Simmons and his former team, the Philadelphia 76ers, reached a settlement agreement on the grievance Simmons filed to recoup a portion of the nearly $20 million withheld from him as a result of his failure to play games

Sources said that both sides agreed to keep the financial settlement confidential.

Sources said that the discussions between Simmons' representatives at Klutch Sports and the 76ers didn't result in a settlement that led to the filing of the grievance. The sides reached a settlement before a judgement.

Philadelphia insisted that Simmons was in violation of his contract and had the right to recover the money he was paid before the season started. Simmons failed to show up for the start of training camp and refused to play in the preseason and regular season, which the 76ers said was in violation of his contract.

Simmons arrived in Philadelphia at the end of the preseason and cited his mental health as the reason that he wasn't able to participate in team activities. Sources said that the 76ers and Simmons disagreed over the degree of access that the team and its doctors were given to diagnose Simmons.

Simmons was paid his full salary after he was traded to the Brooklyn Nets. Simmons had back surgery in April and is expected to be ready for training camp.

Simmons and his agent, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports, requested a trade in a meeting after the three-time All-Star guard had a falling out with the team.

Simmons has been one of the league's top defenders and has signed a five-year, $170 million maximum contract.

Simmons' salary was taken back for every game he missed this season. There wasn't enough money in each paycheck to cover the per-game deductions because Simmons received a $16.5 million advance.

Simmons was injured in the spring of 2020. He reported back pain when he reported to the camp. He was cleared to resume basketball activities after the injury was assessed and treated.

Sources said that the only time Simmons was found in violation of his contract was that period.

Bobby Marks and Ramona Shelburne were involved.