Source: Sixers Unable To Get In Touch With Ben Simmons

The Ben Simmons saga in Philadelphia continues to burgeon, as the team has been unable to contact the All-Star since their season ended on June 20, per Bleacher Report's Jake Fischer on The Gastroenteritis Blues podcast. Fischer states that "they haven't been able to really get in touch with Ben since the season ended."

Fischer expounds upon these reports by highlighting the Sixers' intent to have developmental workouts with Simmons. Moreover, this is purportedly not the first time that the 25-year-old has refused to communicate with the team regarding workouts.

There was an intent to have a workout plan or whatever like in any offseason, and that's always kind of been the case that the Sixers haven't really been able to align . . . it just doesn't sound like there's ever really been movement to come together on the same page to do that, and it hasn't really worked this summer either.

 

Per @JakeLFischer on today’s @GastroBluesPod, the Sixers have been unable to get in touch with Ben Simmons this offseason. https://t.co/35ptpoy1jl pic.twitter.com/ijKxlc8TJS

— The Gastroenteritis Blues (@GastroBluesPod) July 26, 2021

Earlier this month, Simmon's teammate, Danny Green, commented on the three-time All-Star's willingness to expand his offensive repertoire. Green asserted that "Ben’s the type of kid if he’s not encouraged, if he’s not pushed or forced to do it, he’s not the type to take that risk." Similar to the story by Fischer, Simmons' competitive fervor and urgency to improve his game remains perplexing.

Despite a lackluster postseason run by Simmons — that saw him shoot a historically bad 34.2% from the free-throw line — his trade value remains high. Nearly half of the league is vying for his services, with salient rumors revolving around Damian Lillard, Kyle Lowry and Bradley Beal. However, it appears the only offer's the Sixers have received thus far include role players and draft picks — much to the team's chagrin.

Report: 76ers not satisfied with current trade offers of ‘multiple role players and picks’ for Ben Simmons https://t.co/32laktfpjp

— NBA Central (@TheNBACentral) July 23, 2021

These claims about Simmons not communicating with the Sixers don't bold well for a future that sees him in Philadelphia long-term. Rather, it accentuates the writing that has been on the wall for the past few months.

Photo Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports