Possible outcomes for Ben Simmons’ return to Sixers: Image rehab
This is basically the direct opposite of the previous outcome. In this version, Simmons shows up, he plays, and he plays hard — all with the goal of improving his trade value en route to a one-way ticket out of Philadelphia before the trade deadline.
Obviously the Sixers want to convince Simmons to stay long term, but short of that, this is the ideal outcome. Get him on the floor, let him remind teams of his talent, and then pray a return to action smoothes over some of the hard feelings. At worst, a quick start to the season and a couple strong performances from Simmons would give Morey the upper hand in trade negotiations.
A recent report from Keith Pompey suggests that Philadelphia is “never getting back the same player,” so do not get your hopes up. Odds are, if Simmons does play, that the results will veer much closer to outcome No. 2 than outcome No. 3. It is readily apparent that Simmons has mentally checked out of Philadelphia, and getting him back would be no small feat.
That said, if the Sixers can convince Simmons this is the best route — that rehabbing his image would facilitate a trade and quicken Morey’s trigger finger — then it is wholly possible that Simmons consents. Morey has already shocked (and irritated) a number of people with his lofty asking price and complete unwillingness to settle. He has done an excellent job broadcasting that Simmons will not get traded unless the Sixers receive equal value in return. Perhaps that will only happen if Simmons shows up and shows out.