The Ben Simmons-Philadelphia 76ers saga is far from ending and on Friday reached new heights when the Sixers opted to withhold 25% of NBA point guard Simmons’ $33-million salary due on Friday, as per US media reports. 

The recent move from the somewhat confirms the earlier reports that Simmons has played his last minute for the Philadelphia side.

The entirety of the payment, which amounts to $8.25 million,  has been placed in an escrow account, from which the Sixers will deduct any fines Simmons racks up by not showing up for training camp.

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Currently, Simmons has four years and $147 million left on his max contract — including $33 million for 2021-22. With just 20 days left for the season to start, there is no substantial trade deal that has yet been chalked up. 

Earlier in September, the 25-year-old star player told the managing authorities of the Sixers that he will not wear an NBA jersey again unless he is traded to another team, ESPN reported citing unnamed sources.

The source added that the situation has been explained to the team management in August this year. After this, Simmons has reportedly had no direct contact with the organisation.

The management of the Philadelphia 76ers, including coach Doc Rivers and President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey, directed Simmons to arrive at the training camp to train alongside Joel Embiid, who plays at the centre court, the sources said.

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However, Simmons’ on-court exploits haven’t helped the trade situation. He took the brunt of the blame for the top-seeded Sixers’ second-round exit in last season’s playoffs. He shot 34% from the free-throw line in the postseason and was reluctant to attempt a shot from anywhere on the floor late in games. That led to him spending critical minutes on the bench.

Simmons missed a stunning 10 free throws in Game 5 against the Atlanta Hawks and helped blow a 26-point lead in a loss. His defining moment, though, was in the Game 7 loss at home.

With a chance to tie the game late in the fourth quarter, Simmons surrendered the opportunity to play postseason hero and passed on an open look at the rim because he was afraid he would get fouled.

Simmons did not attempt a shot in the fourth quarter in Game 2 against the Hawks. He did the same in Games 4 through 7 — going 0 for 0 in the final period. Not one single shot in the fourth over five playoff games, according to Associated Press.