NBA Rumors: Embiid Lays Rules For Disgruntled Simmons If No Trade Happens

The clock is ticking on Ben Simmons but based on the buzz going on right now, all signs point to the Australian cager having no choice but to stay in Philadelphia for now.

There has been little interest in Simmons from other teams. Most are holding off any plans, wary of the fact that the 6-foot-11 cager owns a lofty deal.

Simmons is just in the second year of a five-year deal worth $177 million. He is still owed roughly $147 million, numbers that no team will be willing to absorb.

With the possibility of Simmons ending up with Philly until the summer, sources close to the 2018 NBA Rookie of the Year are advising him to suit up with the Sixers for the rest of the season.

The reason behind this is to make sure that his value does not diminish by staying on the sidelines. This was narrated in detail in a previous post.

If Simmons does end up playing, it raises questions on how well he can jive with Simmons. It appears the Cameroonian is open to the idea and has a simple requirement if the 2016 top pick decides to finally suit up, Tim Bontemps of ESPN reported.

“Anybody is welcome to play. If you want to be part of us, I’m sure everybody will be fine with it, but you have to show up and want to be there,” Embiid stated.

Philly has managed to hold its head above water even without Simmons. He could provide a boost if nothing goes down by the NBA trade deadline set to expire at 3:00 p.m. ET on Feb. 10.

The only team linked to Simmons right now is the Brooklyn Nets. The deal would involve James Harden but such has been deemed as hearsay.

Considering Simmons hasn’t played this season, it would be a big gamble for head coach Steven Nash. However, the Nets coach made it clear that they have no plans of trading “The Beard” on Sunday, Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer reported.