Ben Simmons has no interest in joining the Blazers or Raptors. Sources say the 76ers star is heavily leaning towards taking his talents to California.
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Simmons is in the news once again and for the wrong reasons. The 76ers point guard had a string of poor performances in the 2021 NBA Playoffs, has reportedly declined to be a part of teams such as the Trail Blazers and Raptors.
The former rookie of the year seems to have ruffled a lot of feathers with the 76ers organization and his teammates alike. As per Jason Dumas of the Bleacher Report, the relationship between the Sixers and Simmons is beyond repair, but the Klutch client does not want to go to Portland.
Ben Simmons’ relationship reportedly “beyond repair” is ignoring Joel Embiid’s phone calls. Doesn’t want to get traded to Raptors or Blazers. Open to getting traded to one of the California teams according to @JDumasReports on @957thegame pic.twitter.com/ouFTf7eBnw
— gifdsports (@gifdsports) August 5, 2021
Dumas added that Simmons has ignored all calls from Joel Embiid and has zero communication with the 76ers organization.
Simmons, who had a disappointing post-season, has been untraceable post the 76ers’ elimination from the playoffs.
Ben Simmons has no interest in signing with the Trail Blazers or Raptors
The 25-year old signed a 5 year $177 contract with the Philadelphia 76ers during the 2020-21 season, making him a free agent in 2025.
According to various reports in the media, a trade between Simmons and CJ McCollum of the Trail Blazers is being speculated. The trade seems beneficial for both the franchises since the 76ers lack a point guard who could shoot the ball while the 76ers lack depth in their defense.
However, Simmons seems to have no interest in joining forces with Damian Lillard and co. Jason Domas of the Bleacher Report believes Simmons doesn’t want to go into a bad situation.
“He’s reading the tea leaves. He sees Toronto, he sees Portland, and then, being frank being the young socialite that he is, he’s not looking to go to any of those situations. He’s looking to go to the California teams.” said Domas.
There had been reports of the Golden State Warriors and the 76ers indulging in trade talks. However, the deal didn’t fall through.
It is believed the Warriors were not willing to part ways too many of their assets, which included their first-round draft picks and Andrew Wiggins.
It will be interesting to see what the 76ers can make of the Simmons situation. Things don’t seem positive, as far as the narrative that is being played for the 3x All-Star in the media circles.