Report: Ben Simmons could return to 76ers after all

Tell the moving trucks to hold on for a moment because, after all that, Ben Simmons could very well be returning to the Philadelphia 76ers.

ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported on Monday that “discussions have gained momentum” between the 76ers and the All-Star point guard’s agent, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul on a pact to at least have Simmons report to the team a week before the 2021-22 NBA season begins.

It also carries the promise of Simmons speaking with Sixers officials for the first time since August, when he began radio silence after confirming his desire to be traded during a meeting in Los Angeles.

Money is likely to play a role in communications opening back up between the disgruntled player and the Sixers. Simmons has already lost out on $1 million, which includes him missing Philadelphia’s preseason game against the Brooklyn Nets on Monday.

As of now, it is believed that Simmons will still want to be traded away from the Sixers, but Wojnarowski reports that both team president Daryl Morey and head coach Doc Rivers will be keen on trying to convince the 25-year-old to stay in Philadelphia and potentially see out the remaining four years of his contract.

The 76ers have spent much of the last year trying to trade Simmons, including talks with the Houston Rockets for James Harden before the trade deadline while lobbying the rest of the league during the summer.

Obviously, no teams have been willing to meet the exorbitant price that many believe the Sixers are setting for the three-time All-Star.