Philadelphia 76ers star Ben Simmons met with head coach Doc Rivers and the club's medical professionals on Friday and told them he's not mentally ready to play to his expectations, sources told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
Simmons will undergo further evaluations, and medical professionals will determine his next steps, Wojnarowski adds.
The three-time All-Star spoke with the rest of the team Friday, with all parties taking responsibility for what's transpired over the last several months, sources told The Athletic's Shams Charania.
Simmons was engaged during the 76ers' shootaround Friday morning and said he wants to play but isn't ready from a mental standpoint, Charania reports.
Forward Tobias Harris expressed his support for Simmons on social media.
"And we'll respect his privacy and space during this time," Harris wrote. "When he's ready, we will embrace our brother with love and handle our business on the court. That's it, that's all."
A trade doesn't appear imminent, as president of basketball operations Daryl Morey remains determined to get what he believes is the appropriate value for Simmons in a deal.
