In a looming standoff that could have lasting implications for the NBA, Philadelphia 76ers All-Star forward Ben Simmons will not report for the opening of training camp next week and intends to never play another game for the franchise, sources told ESPN.
Simmons, 25, wants a trade out of Philadelphia and told management that he has no plans to wear an NBA uniform again until he's moved to a new team, sources said.
This is setting up a showdown for a Sixers franchise with championship hopes that will be greatly diminished without Simmons on the floor -- balancing the likely short-term losses with him sidelined against the long-term goals of getting a maximum trade return for Simmons.