Ben Simmons informed Philadelphia 76ers leadership that he doesn't want to remain with the team and doesn't intend to report to training camp ahead of the 2021-22 season regardless of whether he's fined, sources told the Philadelphia Inquirer's Keith Pompey.
The disgruntled point forward reportedly delivered his message in a meeting with 76ers co-managing partner Josh Harris, team president Daryl Morey, general manager Elton Brand, and head coach Doc Rivers last week in Los Angeles.
There is reportedly no shortage of interest around the league for Simmons - though the 76ers' asking price remains steep.
Simmons' request is the latest fallout from a calamitous season-ending playoff performance, after which Rivers and franchise centerpiece Joel Embiid publicly cast doubt on Simmons' ability as the team's de facto point guard.
In a seven-game series loss to the underdog Atlanta Hawks, the range-deficient Simmons frequently looked hesitant to attack the paint, calling more attention to his 25-of-73 (34.2%) accuracy from the free-throw line during the 76ers' playoff run.
Simmons is in Year 2 of a five-year extension that will see him collect an additional $146.7 million through 2025.
The 25-year-old Australian has averaged 15.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, 7.7 assists, and 1.7 steals per game since the Sixers drafted him first overall in 2016. In his four healthy seasons, he's accrued three All-Star appearances, an All-NBA Third Team selection, and was the runner-up for Defensive Player of the Year honors this past year.
