After five years with the Philadelphia 76ers, Ben Simmons calls it quits. Back in June of 2021, the Sixers were defeated in game 7 by the Atlanta Hawks in the East Semifinals. Simmons was reported to be telling management–just days after the loss–that he was done with Philly and wanted a trade.

Going back in time, Ben Simmons was the #1 draft pick in 2016 and dominated his first couple of seasons. However, the 2020-2021 season was his worst performance stat wise of his whole career. Fans and management were not happy with what Simmons was contributing to the team. Doc Rivers, the sixers head coach, has made some controversial comments regarding Ben Simmons, but still fights for him to stay. The question is, will Simmons stay or face the consequences that will come?

Funny thing is, Simmons still has four years and $147 million on his contract with the Sixers, so he’s in a bit of a dilemma. Since his contract hasn’t ended, the Sixers could fine Simmons $227,613 for every preseason game he misses. Before the regular season would even start, Simmons would be down almost $1 million dollars. This may not seem like a lot to him, but that total will add up in the end.

Doc Rivers was offered some trades involving Simmons, but they were turned down. “The Sixers would need a young tantalizing player to remain competitive in the East, and a boatload of picks won’t work.” Said by The Philadelphia Inquirer. The Sixers would need a younger player that they could mold and piece into their playoff-hopeful franchise. Speaking of the playoffs, will the Sixers still be a playoff contender without Simmons? ESPN states, “This is setting up a showdown for a Sixers franchise with championship hopes that will be greatly diminished without Simmons on the floor”. Is Simmons the piece Philly needs to pursue their dreams of being champions?