Training camps may start next week, but NBA Twitter is already in midseason form.
Basketball fans on the social media platform went crazy after ESPN reporter Adrian Wojnarowski broke the news Tuesday that Philadelphia 76ers guard Ben Simmons intends to never play for the team again.
Simmons and the 76ers have feuded all offseason, after coach Doc Rivers and franchise forward Joel Embiid laid into the embattled point guard after their season-ending loss to the Atlanta Hawks in Game 7 of the 2021 Eastern Conference semifinals.
However, details have emerged that the rift between Simmons and the 76ers actually stemmed from the team's failed attempt to get James Harden in a trade last season. According to KRON-4 News, Simmons was unhappy that the 76ers had told him he was likely to be dealt, yet was forced to play out the season after the deal fell through. Harden ended up on the 76ers' Atlantic division rival, the Brooklyn Nets.
It had been previously reported that Simmons would not report to 76ers training camp when it opens next week, which Wojnarowski confirmed. He then added a bombshell that Simmons and 76ers brass haven't spoken with each other since August and that the star would sit out as long as he needed to until he was traded — even if he were fined or suspended without pay, which the NBA-NBPA collective-bargaining agreement entitles Philadelphia to do.
Simmons is clearly aware of sanctions available to organization to fine and suspend him, including withholding of salary. But so far, Simmons appears willing to carry out a plan of forcing his way to a new team. Sixers have yet to find a a trade they’re willing to make for him. https://t.co/vxSrBUWjXw
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 21, 2021
Basketball fans took the Woj bomb and let their imaginations run wild by speculating future destinations for the three-time All-Star and 2018 NBA Rookie of the Year.
Simmons to the Nets? #NBA #NBATwitter https://t.co/JqhJVgM5ok
— Spread Em 🇺🇸 (@spreademlocks) September 21, 2021
Make the call @Timberwolves https://t.co/G1t4M4OE70
— Justin (@LiterallyJus) September 21, 2021
Make it happen @celtics https://t.co/n7Q5nEj6HI
— luc 🇬🇷🇪🇪 (@luc_tlm) September 21, 2021
Fans of the Minnesota Timberwolves were especially excited after BetMGM announced that their team is the betting favorite to land Simmons (+400), with the Houston Rockets (+450), Sacramento Kings (+650) and San Antonio Spurs, Golden State Warriors and Toronto Raptors (+800) following.
Ben Simmons next team odds 👀
— BetMGM 🦁 (@BetMGM) September 21, 2021
The Minnesota Timberwolves are the favorite at +400 followed by the Houston Rockets at +450!
(CO, AZ, DC only) pic.twitter.com/0LjDRkg2RK
Philadelphia fans and media took the opportunity to rip Simmons, as they have historically been good at.
Ben is so selfish. You’re on the team until you’re not, so show up and be part of the team.
— Isaac (@philly_isaac) September 21, 2021
Ben angling for biggest loser I’m Philadelphia sports history. https://t.co/x6Tf73Pct5
— Jimmy Kempski (@JimmyKempski) September 21, 2021
That’s it. Officially one of the most hated players in Philly sports history. GTFO pal. https://t.co/K5tnodSA3S
— Smitty (@SmittyBarstool) September 21, 2021
This guy is something else. Refused to develop his game over the past four years but the team did him dirty. Okay. https://t.co/kJ6SGkhvAi
— Chris (@CBengelCBS) September 21, 2021
Some took the opportunity to dunk on the 76ers, specifically team president Daryl Morey, for not trading Simmons for Harden last season, especially since Simmons would likely be dealt for a clearly aging and diminished John Wall if he ends up in Houston.
To think Darly Morey didn't want to give up Simmons for Harden when he had the chance. 🤣 https://t.co/cEmlrVh4XL
— Iz (@MrIzzy0714) September 21, 2021
It’s gonna be hilarious when morey trades Ben Simmons to Houston for John Wall instead of James harden because he was petty lmao
— go sun devils :/ (@Tydozer_) September 21, 2021
Some used this opportunity to work on their meme skills.
Sixers trying to trade Ben Simmons pic.twitter.com/haSpqc5DDW
— Conan O’Brien’s illegitimate son (@pleasesueme) September 21, 2021
Ben Simmons @nbaleave pic.twitter.com/8KiDFH1BIi
— Babe Froman (@_Babe_Froman_) September 21, 2021
Ben Simmons to the Sixers execs pic.twitter.com/iWMHZ1pWaO
— Daman Rangoola (@damanr) September 21, 2021
Others took the opportunity to bask in the dramatic soap opera that makes the NBA season so much fun.
NBA drama at its finest 🥲 https://t.co/h2aoJK63B2
— Jacob Guise (@Cool_Papa_Do) September 21, 2021
The NBA has the best off-court/field drama of any league.
— WMG (@WrnrG) September 21, 2021
Meanwhile, Philadelphia 76ers players remained conspicuously silent on social media. Yet, they'll undoubtedly have to answer questions about Simmons' absence when training camp opens Monday.
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