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Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid spoke this week about the saga involving Ben Simmons.
Simmons, according to multiple reports, wants to retire from the 76ers after a disappointing playoff performance. The Athletic reported that Embiid, Tobias Harris and Matisse Thybulle were to meet with Simmons in Los Angeles in hopes of changing their minds, but the Aussie point guard rejected their idea.
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Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21, left) and goaltender Ben Simmons (25, right) during the second quarter against the Sacramento Kings on February 9, 2021, at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, Calif.
(Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports)
Simmons’ drama is a cloud hanging over Philadelphia as the 2021-22 season nears the start. Embiid told the Philadelphia Inquirer he believed their relationship had “run its course.”
“The situation is strange, disappointing, bordering on disrespecting other guys who are fighting for their lives. Some guys rely on the team to be successful in staying in the league and making money in a way. or some other. Because if you are on a winning team, you will always have a place in the league, just because you are on a winning team and have contributed, ”Embiid told the newspaper.
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February 27, 2021; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States; Philadelphia 76ers goalie Ben Simmons (25) and center Joel Embiid (21) watch the Cleveland Cavaliers in the third quarter at Wells Fargo Center.
(Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports)
“We are a better team with him. There is no doubt about it. We always hope he will change his mind. [and rejoins the team], but I kind of owe these guys worrying about what we have here. It’s the job of the front office to figure out what’s going to happen. It’s not my job. I am not the general manager. I am not the owner. So it’s none of my business, honestly. “
Embiid said he was “disappointed” that Simmons requested a trade.
Embiid and Simmons were the two major pieces in the so-called “process” the 76ers went through for a few consecutive seasons. Both players started their NBA careers with injuries, but both players were the key to their small success.
The 76ers have made the playoffs for four consecutive seasons, but haven’t made it past the Eastern Conference semifinals.
Philadelphia 76ers Ben Simmons wipes his face after missing a pair of free throws during the first half of Game 5 in a second round NBA basketball playoff series against the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday the 16th June 2021, in Philadelphia.
(AP Photo / Matt Slocum)
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A change could be good for both parties, but unloading Simmons’ contract is going to be difficult. He signed a five-year, $ 177.2 million contract in July 2019. He owes $ 33 million this season and his salary only increases in the 2024-25 season.
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