76ers president Daryl Morey: Ben Simmons drama could last 'four years'
Amid stories that wantaway and disgruntled Philadelphia 76ers All-Star guard Ben Simmons refused to take part in a scheduled individual workout Thursday due to "back tightness" and because he's "not mentally ready to play," claims the franchise may or not may not dispute, Sixers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey appeared on sports radio station 97.5 The Fanatic to offer an update on the matter.
Simmons requested a trade during the summer but still has four years and $147 million remaining on his contract, and Morey suggested it could take that long for this situation to be resolved:
Simmons was suspended for Wednesday's regular-season opener at the New Orleans Pelicans after coach Doc Rivers sent him home from a practice earlier this week because the 25-year-old refused to participate in a drill. The three-time All-Star spent weeks away from the 76ers at the start of training camp and has reportedly been fined approximately $1.7 million, total, for missing games, workouts and meetings.
Simmons' status for Friday's home opener versus the Brooklyn Nets is, at best, up in the air:
By all accounts, Simmons doesn't want to spend another meaningful second with the 76ers, but Morey and company aren't willing to lose who remains a promising young talent and potential Most Valuable Player at a discount.
Stay tuned.
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