The 76ers have applied the retaliation law. You don’t play, I don’t pay you. To the rebellion of Ben Simmons, who is not showing up to train with his team while “his situation” is resolved, the leadership of Elton Brand has responded by choosing not to pay him the more than 8 million advance of his salary that they had agreed to.
The confrontation is unsustainable and the reconciliation unfeasible. Simmons has to leave, and after many failed attempts to transfer to various teams, according to journalist Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer, these would be the six franchises that could still represent the future of the playmaker for the 2021/22 season.
Minnesota Timberwolves, Indiana Pacers, Cleveland Cavaliers, Detroit Pistons, Toronto Raptors and San Antonio Spurs. The offer has been reduced to this. On paper, no title contenders are imminent. The high claims in Philly, who are not willing to take a hoot, have seen no deal come to fruition to date on the negotiating table. And now only teams with little to lose and much to gain seem open to surrender Troy for him.
(Cover photo Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images)