Hopes for a Ben Simmons-76ers split as the February 10 trade deadline approaches are getting slimmer as the days go by. The market dictates that Simmons is not worth what the unwavering team wants in return.
The person hoping it ends the most is Simmons’ financial advisor, as the All-Star has already forfeited more than $19 million in fines this season and could be out upwards of $32 million if he remains out.
Via ESPN: “Simmons has lost over $19 million in fines since the season began (each missed game costs him $360,000). He hasn’t cleared a paycheck since the $8.25 million (25% of his $33 million salary) that was due to him on October 1. Every two weeks the team sends a notice with an explanation of all the fines he has accumulated for failing to render services, instead of a $1.375 million paycheck. By the end of the season, if he does not play for the Sixers or any other team, Simmons could lose another $12 million.
“It is a staggering amount of money. Everyone involved assumes this issue will eventually be settled in arbitration. But those close to Simmons, who has earned upward of $60 million over his career, insist his decision to demand a trade and then not to play until he is traded has never been financially motivated. He wants a fresh start, away from a franchise he doesn’t feel comfortable playing for anymore.”
Simmons, in the second season of a five-year, $170 million contract, is reportedly working out with personal trainers to stay in shape. He’s apparently upset the team tried to trade him for James Harden and that he was scapegoated for the team’s early playoff exit last year.
Joel Embiid’s MVP-caliber season is helping the team stay in the postseason hunt, but that’s not enough to get his once-teammate back.
