The Sixers continue to have a high asking price for Ben Simmons and with several of the players on their list currently unavailable, the organization is preparing for Simmons to play for the team to begin the season, Tom Moore of The Bucks County Courier Times hears.
Philadelphia doesn’t plan on making a trade that would drop them in the standings (such as a draft pick-heavy package) and the team isn’t thrilled with the current offers available, Moore adds.
Our own Chris Crouse previously reported that there was an expectation within some NBA circles that Simmons would remain on the roster past opening night. There had been a hope that an All-Star may become available before training camp, however, some saw that as unlikely given the NBA’s current trade landscape.
The franchise is planning on fining Simmons if he doesn’t show up to camp, something the NBA is reportedly would like to happen. Talks between the team and the star have been uneven. The two sides met in Los Angeles last month with the Sixers hoping to mend fences; that was around the time that reports of Simmons’ trade request became public.
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