Ben Simmons’ holdout, explained: What happens if 76ers star skips training camp?

Ben Simmons is not walking through that door.

Despite the 76ers’ best efforts to bring their three-time All-Star back into the fold, Simmons appears to be committed to his pledge of never playing another game for Philadelphia. The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported Saturday that some of Simmons’ teammates wanted to travel to Los Angeles to meet with him, but they were turned away because Simmons made it clear that he won’t change his stance.

OFFSEASON GRADES: Eastern Conference  | Western Conference

Now that the start of NBA training camps has arrived, folks around the league will be focused on how the team handles Simmons’ absence. Here’s what we know about his holdout as of Monday morning and what may come next.

Is Ben Simmons really just not going to show up for training camp?

The old adage “never say never” should be applied here, but it would be a major surprise if Simmons suddenly decides to rejoin the 76ers. Charania noted in his report that Simmons has “mentally checked out as a member of the 76ers.” But his reasoning for staying away from the team goes beyond just his frustration with the organization.

“It’s not just that he doesn’t want to play there anymore. He doesn’t want to be in front of those fans,” ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said during an appearance on SiriusXM NBA Radio. “So for him, I don’t think he intends to ever show his face there again, unless he’s part of a visiting team, and he’s one [game] and out. Part of this is just a visceral thing.

“It’s not even about, ‘I’m unhappy. Get me out of here.’ I think he has instructed his agent, ‘I’m not showing up. I don’t want [to be] in front of those fans.'”

Are the 76ers close to trading Ben Simmons?

Not really. Philadelphia is waiting for a slam dunk offer from a Simmons suitor, but front offices aren’t eager to alter their rosters less than a month before the start of the regular season. This is the part of the NBA calendar that gives teams hope, even if that hope may be irrational.

It’s possible that the Sixers will eventually bend on their asking price, especially if the drama becomes a major distraction. Philadelphia president of basketball operations Daryl Morey hasn’t backed down yet on his demands, though.

If Ben Simmons is still on the roster but doesn’t attend training camp, what will the 76ers do?

The Sixers could suspend and fine Simmons for “failing to render services” (Article VI, Section 1 of the collective bargaining agreement). Philly would have to suspend Simmons first before it could fine him for each day he is not available.

If the 76ers were to continue paying Simmons as he operated from his own little island with Rich Paul, it would be interesting to see how the NBA reacts. The league definitely doesn’t want send a message that stars won’t face consequences for not reporting to training camps, practices or games.

Is Ben Simmons willing to lose money?

Simmons may not care about possible fines as much as other NBA players because of the structure of his contract. Simmons is set to earn $33 million in 2021-22 as part of a five-year, $177.2 million contract extension that he signed in 2019. He already received 25 percent of that salary ($8.25 million) earlier this year, and he is supposed to receive another 25 percent on Oct. 1.

This is where things could go in an ugly direction. The Sixers could withold that amount and go to arbitration, using the same “failure to render services” argument. That process could drag out for several months. Nobody wants that — well, except a bunch of lawyers.

Uh… this situation is pretty awkward, huh?

Yep, it sure is, and it’s probably going to get worse. Basketball is back!

Source: Read Full Article