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Ben Simmons’ soap opera in Philadelphia continues to escalate.
After missing media day and skipping the start of training camp this week, the Sixers are failing to pay their star point guard the $ 8.25 million owed to him on Friday, Oct. 1, according to Bleacher Report. .
Simmons, who is awaiting a trade out of Philadelphia, has already received the first 25 percent of his salary for this season. The hold reported by the team on Friday was Simmons’ second payment this season.
The Sixers reportedly viewed Simmons’ absence as a breach of contract. He currently has four years left on the five-year, $ 170 million maximum deal he signed in 2019.
According to ESPN, the $ 8.25 million has been placed in an escrow account and any fines incurred by Simmons will be deducted therefrom.
In the days leading up to the new report, Philadelphia let Simmons know in media that they had hopes for a reconciliation and wanted him to return with the team.
Simmons’ stalemate with the Sixers became public in June, when he called for a trade, following a historically poor playoff performance.
In August, the All-Star goalie reportedly cut off communication with the team and postponed any trade to his agent, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports.
The Sixers opened trade talks for Simmons in July. However, Daryl Morey, president of basketball operations, has not budged from his high asking price – which has apparently discouraged teams from suing Simmons.
“We’re in training camp with our full roster. Only Philly is concerned about a trade right now, ”said an assistant general manager of a team that was previously in negotiations with the Sixers this offseason, according to Bleacher Report.
Philadelphia’s first preseason game will be held in Toronto on Monday, October 4, and some “league circles” believe Simmons could return to the team before then.
The league and the players ‘association did not jointly support Simmons’ holdback on Friday. A report from The Athletic released on Friday added that Simmons was fully aware of the repercussions of his holdback.
Earlier this week, The Athletic reported that Simmons had no desire to play a role in Philadelphia, where the team is more focused on building around Joel Embiid than him.
Simmons has yet to open up about his broken relationship with the Sixers.
It remains to be seen whether he will play this season.
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