Philadelphia 76ers: Ben Simmons situation could get worse

Ever since the buzz sounded in Game 7 against the Atlanta Hawks this past postseason, the relationship between the Philadelphia 76ers and point guard Ben Simmons has been quickly deteriorating.

Both head coach Doc Rivers and superstar center Joel Embiid publically called out Simmons after the series ended. The front office had been rumored to be shopping the All-Star defender during the offseason.

Then it was reported that Simmons has cut off direct contact with the franchise and All-Star teammate Embiid. For those hoping that this is the worse that it can get, it’s sad to say that it could certainly get worse between Philly the runner-up for the Defensive Player of the Year award.

The relationship between the Philadelphia 76ers and Simmons can certainly get worse.

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While it’s been reported by Ramona Shelburne of ESPN that the Sixers would be open to bringing Simmons back into the next season, however, that seems like an unlikely outcome. The Sixers have actively shopped Simmons and Simmons is letting his agent do the talking so there would have to be a lot of healing on Simmons’ end to make that idea feasible.

Considering that Simmons is entering his fifth season in the NBA and still hasn’t improved his jump shot, it’s doubtful he wants to improve his relationship with a front office that has been trying to trade him. Based on his lack of development on the offensive end, it is more than likely he will double down on his closed line of communication and become openly defiant of the 76ers.

What could that look like? Well, he could take a note out of James Harden’s book when he wanted to be traded by the Houston Rockets. That means Simmons could come into training camp late and out of shape.

Not only could he do that, but he could also become a cancer in the locker room, which is something Philly can’t afford while they are contending for a title. However, the worse thing is that Simmons just decides to not show up for any team activity, which includes practices and possibly games. That would cost Simmons money, but it might get to that point.

The best thing for both the Philadelphia 76ers and Simmons is that the franchise find a suitable trade so that they can trade Simmons so that this relationship won’t turn from bad to toxic.