Ben Simmons Reportedly Won’t Attend Training Camp for 76ers; Philadelphia’s Championship Odds Still +1800

• Ben Simmons has given the Philadelphia 76ers an ultimatum, refusing to attend training camp as he seeks a trade
• Philly was relatively quiet in the offseason, but they could get some quality pieces in return if Simmons does leave town
• Will their championship odds fade if the Aussie gets moved? Find the analysis below

The Ben Simmons saga has been ongoing ever since he struggled immensely in the 2021 NBA Playoffs. It now seems like the situation has met a breaking point. The Aussie has made it clear that he won’t ever play for the Philadelphia 76ers again.

Simmons reportedly told several front office figures and head coach, Doc Rivers, last week that he wants to be traded. Countless teams across the NBA have ventured into the possibility of trading for the disgruntled star, who has a massive $147 million remaining on his current deal with Philly. Their championship odds haven’t faded since the news broke that Simmons won’t show up to training camp, but that could change as this situation evolves.

2022 NBA Championship Odds

Odds as of August 31st at FanDuel.

Where Could Simmons Land?

The Sixers have been trying to find a trade partner for most of the summer, but after Simmons’ disappointing performances in the postseason, his value has plummeted. Daryl Morey is demanding a ton in return for the point forward, which has turned off a lot of teams across the league. According to the Philadelphia media, a Western Conference executive allegedly said that Simmons is interested in “3 California teams”. Well, the Lakers are certainly out of question after their busy offseason, while the Warriors have basically bowed out of the Simmons trade talks.

“Ben Simmons says he refuses to play for the Sixers. He wants to go to three California teams. There’s so much bad blood between him and the team.”

– Western Conference Executive on Ben Simmons
(Via @PompeyOnSixers ) pic.twitter.com/3TQShODF5k

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) August 31, 2021

The Miami Heat, Toronto Raptors, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Washington Wizards have all shown interest in the Aussie as well, but the packages that Toronto and Minny offered to the Sixers were apparently not enticing enough for Morey to strike a deal. The T-Wolves were intrigued at the possibility of pairing Simmons with franchise star Karl-Anthony Towns, but the likes of Malik Beasley, D’Angelo Russell, and Jaden McDaniels weren’t enough for Philadelphia. A third team would be needed to make something happen.

Shams Charania mentions the Minnesota Timberwolves as one of the teams ‘most interested’ in Ben Simmons

“A package with them would require a third team”
(h/t @BallySports ) pic.twitter.com/boDVYtwaFR

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) August 27, 2021

Since it’s now common knowledge that Simmons wants out, teams across the NBA will be looking to take advantage of the 76ers. He has absolutely no plans of suiting up for them again, therefore, they don’t really have a choice but to accept a package for the 25-year-old.

How Would Philly Look Without Simmons?

The most important piece to the Sixers is of course Joel Embiid. Still, Simmons does bring a lot to this organization. Sure, he was lacking confidence in the playoffs and struggles to shoot the ball, but the former LSU standout is a phenomenal defender and playmaker. He’s also a physical presence on the boards and does have the ability to get buckets, last season was just a down year for him.

Ben Simmons will be… pic.twitter.com/05zBXfU8hN

— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) August 31, 2021

Philly does have their eyes set on Portland Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard. They would ideally like to acquire him and use Simmons as part of a deal, but the six-time All-Star has made it clear that he will stay in Portland for the time being as they aim to build a championship-caliber squad around him.

From a guard standpoint, Shake Milton and Tyrese Maxey are the backup PG’s to Simmons. However, Rich Paul, the agent for Simmons and Maxey, would like both players to be involved in any trade. He’s even told the latter to cancel any community events because he doesn’t want Maxey to build relationships within the city.

Source: There’s a high chance that Tyrese Maxey will be a part of any Ben Simmons trade.

Rich Paul would like both of his clients out of Philadelphia.

— Jason Dumas (@JDumasReports) August 31, 2021

If that did happen, it would leave Philly’s backcourt extremely thin. This entire Ben Simmons fiasco is one to keep a close eye on. It will likely affect the Sixers’ championship odds unless they receive some key pieces in return that can make up for the loss.