The ordeal between the Philadelphia 76ers and Ben Simmons has dominated NBA headlines. The basketball world is waiting to see what happens next, as Simmons wants to play for a new team but the 76ers are hoping he changes his mind and returns to the team.
Simmons, however, seems committed to not playing another game for the 76ers. He did not report to training camp and it has been reported he is willing to sit out as long as it takes, even if that means missing the entire season.
That would be unprecedented in the NBA if Ben Simmons sat out the entire season. He would forfeit a ton of money and at the end of the day, the 76ers would still retain his rights. Players wanting to be traded is not anything new in the league, however.
Just last season we saw a similar situation unfold with James Harden and the Houston Rockets. Harden didn’t go as far as sitting out games and being fined, but he made it loud and clear that he wanted to be traded to a new team.
LATEST NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Ben Simmons’ Main Goal With Trade Is To Be No. 1 Option
Eventually, James Harden ended up on the Brooklyn Nets as part of a blockbuster, four-team trade that also included the Indiana Pacers and Cleveland Cavaliers. Given his experience, Harden recently talked about the situation between the 76ers and Ben Simmons.
“I stay out of it. That’s not my situation. Mine was totally different. But hey, I’m here in Brooklyn,” Harden said. “It was a little uncomfortable for me just because I don’t like a lot of attention, especially negative or draining energy.“ I like to be in a good place. I like to smile and have people around me smiling and good vibes. So it was kind of a little uncomfortable for me. But I had to go through it and on the other side, I’m happy to where I am now. Hopefully, everybody forgot about it. Hopefully, everybody moved on and everybody is great.”
It is unlikely everyone has moved on, as Rockets fans certainly hold some animosity toward James Harden no longer wanting to play for their favorite team. It won’t be something anyone forgets anytime soon, as Harden is one of the most recognizable players in the league.
LATEST NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Ben Simmons’ Main Goal With Trade Is To Be No. 1 Option
The franchise, however, has certainly moved on. The Rockets are now embarking on a youth movement with a lot of high upside, intriguing talent they are hoping can get them to the promised land that James Harden was unable to help the organization reach.
The Philadelphia 76ers are hopeful they will come away from this ordeal still feeling like contenders. But, this doesn’t look like a situation that will have a resolution any time soon, as neither side looks ready to blink.
