Report: Simmons meets with 76ers' front office, can't play until Friday

Philadelphia 76ers star Ben Simmons spoke with general manager Elton Brand and team president Daryl Morey on Tuesday in a "brief" meeting, sources told ESPN's Ramona Shelburne.

It was reportedly Simmons' first conversation with the front office since August, signifying another step toward reconciliation between both parties. The 25-year-old unexpectedly returned to Philadelphia on Monday following a lengthy holdout during which he attempted to force a trade.

Simmons reportedly passed a physical but cannot participate in basketball activities with his teammates until Friday due to the NBA's health and safety protocols. It's unknown if he will be cleared in time to play in the 76ers' final preseason game against the Pistons in Detroit, sources told Shelburne.

Fully vaccinated players reportedly must return one negative test when rejoining their team from a setting outside its purview. Players who are not fully vaccinated must return two negatives before they're permitted to participate in solo workouts at the team's facility, and can then be cleared to reintegrate with the rest of the roster after returning two further negative tests.

Simmons reportedly underwent a COVID-19 test upon his arrival at the team's arena Monday.