Report: 76ers 'expecting,' 'hoping' All-Star Ben Simmons to return to team

Ever since Philadelphia 76ers All-Star guard Ben Simmons informed his current employer he won't report for the start of training camp and wants to be traded, analysts and fans have constructed potential deals involving the 25-year-old. 

However, it's been said the 76ers want one All-Star, draft choices and pick swaps for Simmons, and it appears no buyer is willing to match that price. 

Tom Moore of the Bucks County Courier Times reports the 76ers are "expecting/hoping" Simmons will return to work before they start the regular season on Oct. 20 at the New Orleans Pelicans. Per Moore, 76ers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey has explored desirable trades but was unable to secure the services of a proven top-tier talent such as Damian Lillard of the Portland Trail Blazers. 

Lillard seemed to commit himself to Portland for at least the 2021-22 season last week. 

"Right now, there’s no (realistic) opportunity out there, so waiting is the right thing to do," a source told Moore. The source added it's believed Simmons will "eventually" show up and that the team will handle the matter from there, and that Philadelphia will fine Simmons if he doesn't report to camp. 

One unnamed NBA executive suggested in June Simmons' trade value had taken a massive blow coming off his woeful offensive performances in the playoffs, and ESPN NBA insider Brian Windhorst reported last week that Simmons thinks "it's not his job to fix" that problem for the 76ers.