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Report: Simmons shuts down 76ers teammates' trip to visit him

Jesse D. Garrabrant / National Basketball Association / Getty

Disgruntled Philadelphia 76ers star Ben Simmons rejected his teammates' attempt to convince him to remain with the club for the 2021-22 campaign, The Athletic's Shams Charania reports.

A 76ers contingent comprised of core players - including Joel Embiid, Tobias Harris, and Matisse Thybulle - were ready to fly out and visit the Australian guard in Los Angeles before being turned away. Simmons told the players not to come as a courtesy since he doesn't plan to change his decision to ask for a trade out of Philadelphia, sources told Charania.

Simmons, who is owed $147 million over the next four seasons, has been featured in trade discussions since mid-July. The Defensive Player of the Year runner-up met with management last month to inform them he doesn't intend to join the team at training camp or play another game for the 76ers.

Despite Simmons' desires for a fresh start, those within the organization want the 25-year-old to stay with the Sixers.

"I can tell you up-front, we would love to get Ben back. And if we can, we're going to try to do that," Philadelphia head coach Doc Rivers said earlier this week.

The 76ers will hold media day Monday before beginning their training camp Tuesday. The team's preseason slate begins Oct. 4 against the Toronto Raptors, while Philly's regular-season schedule gets underway Oct. 20 against the Pelicans in New Orleans.

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