As the preseason started on Monday, the Ben Simmons–Philadelphia 76ers saga is far from over as the point guard is set to be hit with a $360,000 fine for not playing in the 48-minute game against Toronto Raptors.

Last week, the Sixers opted to withhold 25% of Simmons’ $33-million salary due and they plan to fine the star player for every game — both preseason and regular season — that he is away from the team.

For each game missed, Philadelphia will deduct roughly $360,000 from that $8.25 million placed in escrow, according to ESPN reports. 

ALSO READ | Disappointing: 76ers’ Joel Embiid responds to Ben Simmons’ comments

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. However, recent reports have emerged that Simmons is even willing to sit out the entire season if it means getting the upper hand in the ongoing saga.

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

Also Read: NBA: LaMarcus Aldridge comes out of retirement, signs for Brooklyn Nets

Meanwhile, Simmons’ on-court exploits last season haven’t helped the trade situation. He took the brunt of the blame for the top-seeded Sixers’ second-round exit in the 2021 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.