Sign up
news article img

Basketball

Ben Simmons Transfer Drama Escalates After Rumored 76ers Exit

All hell broke loose this week when Ben Simmons reportedly requested a trade from the Philadelphia 76ers. He doesn’t intend to report to training camp ahead of the 2021-22 season and doesn’t want to remain with the Sixers, but what’s the reason behind this abrupt exit? Simmons is yet to publicly discuss his trade request, but this is not a huge surprise after a calamitous season-ending playoff performance that has some of his teammates publicly casting doubt on Simmons’ ability as the team's point guard. After the news of his potential trade hit the fan, many assumed it has something to do with his feud with the fellow Sixer Joel Embiid, but he recently shut down these rumors on social media. “Stop using my name to push people’s agendas. I love and hate drama. I love playing with Ben. Stats don’t lie. He’s an amazing player and we all didn’t get the job done. It’s on me personally. I hope everyone is back cuz we know we’re good enough to win,” wrote Embiid on Twitter. Simmons joined the Philadelphia 76ers in 2016, and he’s currently on the second year of a five-year extension, with $146.7 million remaining on his deal through 2025. Many teams are interested in the All-Star point guard, but it will take time before he secures an official deal due to a high asking price.