National Basketball Association

Ben Simmons sends message to 76ers, wants out before training camp

Updated Sep. 1, 2021 1:59 p.m. ET

It appears as though the Philadelphia 76ers' saga with Ben Simmons has reached a critical mass.

With a little more than a month remaining until media day and the beginning of training camp for the franchise, Simmons and his agent, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports, informed the Sixers that he "no longer wants to be a Sixer and does not intend to report to training camp," as reported by Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer.

This is the latest in what has been a very public falling out between both sides since the Sixers' stunning exit from the playoffs in the Eastern Conference semifinals. Immediately following their ouster at the hands of the Atlanta Hawks, Simmons' ability to make the Sixers a championship contender was questioned by head coach Doc Rivers.

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In addition, Philly star Joel Embiid publicly disparaged Simmons after the team's Game 7 loss, questioning Simmons' decision to pass the ball instead of opting for an open dunk, which cost the Sixers points in the fourth quarter.

Now, Simmons has drawn his line in the sand, making it known that he wants out. It will be interesting to see if suitors for his services emerge in the coming weeks.

As Chris Broussard of "First Things First," revealed Wednesday, Simmons is willing to play for any team in the NBA right now — except the Sixers.

The Portland Trail Blazers had been linked as potential trade partners – with a possible swap for Damian Lillard – but with recent reports of Lillard being all-in on the Blazers, that trade doesn't appear likely.

Nick Weight put on his executive hat Wednesday and said that if he were Sixers general manager Daryl Morey, there are four teams he would call: the Denver Nuggets, Dallas Mavericks, Golden State Warriors and Sacramento Kings.

"If the whole league is our playground here," Wright said, "those are the four teams ⁠— if Portland and Washington are off the board ⁠— that I'm calling if I'm Daryl."

Unsurprisingly, the news of Simmons demanding out of Philadelphia sent shockwaves through the NBA on Tuesday, eliciting plenty of responses on social media.

Take a look below.

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