Report: Daryl Morey wanted CJ McCollum, host of draft picks for Ben Simmons

Also included in Charania's report was word that head coach Doc Rivers and team executives were still hoping they could convince Simmons to report to camp. Despite the Sixers and the rest of the NBA having already kicked off their 2021 preseason, Simmons has still not reported to the team.

According to Kyle Neubeck of PhillyVoice.com, Simmons was fined approximately $360K for missing the Sixers' first preseason game, but representatives for the three-time All-Star were in conversations with the league's player's union about the issue.

"Simmons' representation had another discussion with the players association in which it was reiterated they would be unable to recoup the money being deducted from the $8.25 million sitting in escrow, sources say, and it was communicated to the Sixers that these early fines were perhaps higher than they expected."

Without Simmons, the Sixers have been moving forward with second-year player Tyrese Maxey as their primary starting point guard. The team also has rookie guard Jaden Springer as an option, as well as guards Seth Curry and Shake Milton.