Sixers president Daryl Morey addressed the situation around Ben Simmons, after the latest reports suggesting he is out indefinitely.
Morey is not in hurry and isn’t rushing to choose among the suitors for the disgruntled star and warned Thursday that the situation could carry on for the foreseeable future.
“You’re going to think I’m kidding. I’m not. This could take four years. … We’re in the prime of Joel (Embiid)’s career. … This is not a day-to-day (issue),” Morey said during a radio appearance on 97.5 The Fanatic, according to PhillyVoice’s Kyle Neubeck.
“Every day, we are going to expect Ben Simmons to be back here or we trade him for a difference-maker,” Morey concluded.
This stance is not surprising for the Philadelphia 76ers, having Simmons under contract for the next four years. The question remains, however, with the Sixers’ three-time All-Star trying to force his way out of Philadelphia.
Head coach Doc Rivers kicked him out of Tuesday’s practice, and the team suspended him for Wednesday’s season opener against the New Orleans Pelicans.
Upon returning to Philadelphia’s practice facility Thursday, Simmons reportedly received treatment for a sore back, but didn’t participate in a scheduled individual workout after being medically cleared.
Morey said that keeping the star point forward on the roster rather than settling for a subpar trade return is what’s best for the organization. After the latest reports surfaced, Simmons could be out for an undetermined amount of time.
