Shocking Development As Sixers Close To A "Resolution" for Ben Simmons' Return To Philadelphia!

NBA Insider Adrian Wojnarowski reports that the Philadelphia 76ers and agent Rich Paul are "making progress" towards a "resolution to bring All-Star Ben Simmons back to Philadelphia."

The plan remains for the Sixers to continue canvassing the league for trades, but the possibility of Simmons reporting to the team has increased in recent days, sources tell ESPN. https://t.co/zzS14E6nm6
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 11, 2021

According to Woj, around-the-clock talks in recent days have been geared towards getting Simmons to return to Philadelphia, while the Sixers are still discussing trade offers with several teams.

But these new developments have apparently got the Sixers still hoping to get Simmons "onto the court and ultimately convince him that it's still the place for the long-term."

This comes as a stunning development, after several months of Simmons insisting that he would never play another game for the Sixers, demanding a trade, and refusing to report for training camp. It was reported he would be happy to play "anywhere but Philadelphia."

Simmons' performance in the 2021 playoffs left coach Doc Rivers and star Joel Embiid, along with legions of tough Philly fans, trashing the all-star guard for his unwillingness to shoot the ball in the 4th quarters of critical games.

All communication between the team and Simmons had broken off, and talks with a number of teams around the league have been ongoing, though GM Daryl Morey's exorbitant asking price has left many shaking their heads.

At the very least, the hope is that his return to the team, and strong play to start the season, will at least accelerate trade talks with stronger offers coming in.

All of this, of course, has prompted social media to react, in sometimes hilarious ways.