There has been a lot of talk about All-Star Ben Simmons coming back to the Philadelphia 76ers. Sources told ESPN Monday that this would likely happen as early as this week.
Sources say that Doc Rivers, the Philadelphia manager, and Coach, met over the weekend with Rich Paul, Klutch Sports CEO, to resolve a solution for Simmons to report to team.
Sources told ESPN that Simmons could soon be able to speak directly with team officials. This is something he hasn’t done since late August's meeting in Los Angeles, when he reiterated his desire for a trade.
Sources said that he has been more open to the possibility to report to Philadelphia and end his time away from team members.
Sources said that the Sixers searched the league for deals during the offseason, but were unable to find one that would allow them to bring back the star they want.
Sources said that Simmons' return would likely bring about trade negotiations, but Rivers and Daryl Morey, Sixers president, are optimistic about convincing Simmons to stay long-term.
Simmons will lose $1 million in salary if he does not play Monday's Brooklyn Nets match.
His max contract covers four years and $147million, with $33 million available for 2021-22.
Simmons requested a trade immediately after Philadelphia's Game 7 loss to Atlanta Hawks. Simmons famously failed to make a wide-open dunk in less than four minutes that would have tied the game. The Sixers never tied the game again.
Rivers and Embiid both gave different answers after the game. Rivers said "I don’t know" when Simmons was asked if he could be a champion point guard. Embiid replied that the whiffed dunk was what made the game memorable.
Rivers claimed that his comments following the game were misunderstood. Embiid, however, said that he doesn't regret what he said, as he only outlined what had happened. Embiid however has expressed regrets over the way the situation between Simmons, the team, and has deteriorated.
Morey stated that the Sixers were not interested in making a trade immediately after the season and reiterated that the Sixers will only make moves if it helps Philadelphia pursue a championship.
