Philadelphia 76ers

Report: 76ers could damage relationship with Rich Paul and future Klutch clients if they fine Ben Simmons for not reporting to training camp

Published by
Brad Sullivan

While Ben Simmons indicated that he won’t report to Philadelphia 76ers training camp, the belief is that the team won’t fine him because of the potential damage it could cause with agent Rich Paul.

Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer pointed out that the Sixers could fine Simmons because of his existing contract, though future concerns will likely preclude them from taking that route.

“Simmons is fully aware the Sixers can fine him for holding out and failing to show up to training camp,” Pompey wrote. “But a source said money will not play a role in the decision-making for Simmons, who has four years and $147 million remaining on his deal.

 

“Plus, fining Simmons could strain the Sixers’ relationship with his super agent, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports. Paul has a who’s who of clients — players the Sixers might be interested in pursuing down the road in free agency.”

Simmons was the top overall pick of the 2016 NBA Draft and has put up solid all-around numbers during his time with the team.

However, the 76ers’ inability to advance far in the postseason has caused grumblings about a variety of issues connected to Simmons, including his work ethic.

Simmons has been the object of trade rumors for months, though a steep asking price is likely one of the chief reasons why a deal has yet to take place.

While LeBron James is the most notable of Paul’s clients, younger players that Paul represents could potentially look elsewhere in the future if the 76ers decide to play hardball with Simmons.

The declaration by Simmons not to report to training camp makes it clearly evident that his relationship with the team is beyond repair and that a trade will come sooner or later.

Brad Sullivan

Brad has written on a variety of both NBA and NFL topics and has worked previously as a sports information director at the collegiate level. A lifetime fan of sports, he's witnessed countless great moments in different sports and understands that stories can be compelling from both the perspective of winners and losers. As a frustrated fan of Cleveland sports, he experienced something unprecedented when the Cavaliers won the city's first championship in 52 years.

Published by
Brad Sullivan

Recent Posts

‘Wtf’: Trae Young reacts to Rashad McCants saying he could score 81 points like Kobe Bryant

Back in January of 2006, former Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant put on one…

59 mins ago

Rashad McCants says he could’ve won ROTY but had a coach who was ‘shaking in the motherf——g huddle’

Former NBA guard Rashad McCants was drafted by the Minnesota Timberwolves with the last lottery…

1 hour ago

Chandler Parsons says Jaylen Brown would be best player on over half of NBA teams, including some playoff teams

The Boston Celtics were without maybe their top player for Wednesday's Game 2 versus the…

1 hour ago

‘Spo gonna Spo’: Cavs player gives Erik Spoelstra his flowers after Heat’s near-upset in Game 2

The odds were stacked against the Miami Heat to pick up a win in Game…

1 hour ago

Report: Will Campbell landing with Patriots may depend on whether team gets ‘fair deal’ to trade down

As a consolation prize for a woeful 2024 season that was marred by losing, the…

1 hour ago

Report: ‘Most of the league’ has been contacted about Jalen Ramsey, including Rams, Lions and Eagles

Miami Dolphins cornerback Jalen Ramsey is one of the more notable players in the league…

1 hour ago