Ben Simmons a three-time All-Star and one-time All-NBA selection was a no-show at the pre-season game between Philadelphia and Toronto earlier this week. Simmons was hoping to force the 76er’s hand releasing him from the rest of his 4 year $146.6 million contract but Philadelphia want him to play.
The no show cost him roughly $1.4million in salary but that is set to escalate if he continues to not play when the season starts. The sixers fan base are beginning to show their anger with the way this is being handled with the feud starting last year when the coach, ‘Doc’ Rivers, told the press that he didn’t know whether Simmons could ever be a championship level point guard.
Philladephia also put $8.25million owed to Simmons into an escrow account until there is a resolution to the conflict. How far will Simmons take this as Philadelphia appear to have dug their heels in stating that they will not bend to demands of a release presented in this manner.