As, perhaps, the longest-running drama in the NBA, the dynamic between Ben Simmons and the 76ers seems no closer to a resolution.
According to a report by Adrian Wojnarowski on Wednesday, Simmons’ agent Rich Paul actually met with Philly GM Daryl Morey again, and both sides continue to be at a stalemate.
(via ESPN)
With the NBA trade deadline a month away, Ben Simmons’ agent — Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul — met with Philadelphia 76ers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey and general manager Elton Brand on Wednesday, and the sides remain at a stalemate over the All-Star guard’s immediate future, sources told ESPN.
Simmons is no closer to honoring the team’s hopes for a return to the court this season — and the Sixers’ steep asking price has brought Simmons no closer to a potential trade, sources told ESPN.
So, after many months of back-and-forth between the two sides, nothing has really changed. As Woj would go on to explain, Morey is no closer to lowering his standards than he was when the whole thing began.
The meeting at a downtown Philadelphia restaurant was described as amicable and professional, but Morey reiterated the franchise’s stance that it won’t make a Simmons trade unless it believes the return gives it a chance to compete for a championship, sources said.
Paul told the Sixers that Simmons’ mental health hurdles continue to preclude him from a return to play with the team, and the desire for a trade out of Philadelphia remains in place, sources said.
With the trade deadline approaching, many believed the end was in sight for this whole situation. With the fate of the season hanging in the balance, it was thought that Philly would be pressured to make a move before February.
Now, people are less willing to make that assumption. As the situation goes on, and Ben continues to lose money, he may have to reconcile with the idea of a return to the court, at least so he can raise his trade value.
In the meantime, the world will continue to watch and wait to see how it all plays out.
