Ben Simmons Won’t Report For Camp With Sixers

Speculation has run wild about where Ben Simmons of the Philadelphia 76ers might end up, including possible trades between the Sixers and the Portland Trail Blazers, as Sixers’ President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey has apparently set his cap for Damian Lillard. Now, Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN confirms that Simmons is not planning to report for the team’s training camp, which starts next week.

According to Wojnarowski, Simmons is aware of the consequences should he miss training camp. The Sixers can suspend him and fine him if he does not appear for camp. However, Wojnarowski also reports that Simmons is deadset on never playing for the Sixers again, and Simmons told the team that during a meeting in August. Wojnarowski also notes that meeting is the last time Simmons communicated with the Sixers.

The Trail Blazers have been mentioned repeatedly as a candidate for landing Simmons; at one point, they were the betting favorites. However, if Morey is not willing to budge for anyone but Lillard, it is unlikely that the Blazers have a chance.