Ben Simmons, Sixers reach settlement on grievance to recover lost money
The Ben Simmons and Philadelphia 76ers saga ended on the court when the Sixers sent him to the Brooklyn Nets in a deal that brought James Harden to Philly at the trade deadline.
However, off the floor, Simmons was still looking to recover some of the money he lost from not playing.
Simmons did not report to the Sixers at the beginning of the 2021-22 season, holding out to try to force the team to accede to his trade request. When he did report, he didn’t play. The three-time All-Star cited mental issues and that he was not ready to fully rejoin the team.
The Sixers respected that as they let him work things out, but when Simmons refused to keep the team in the loop regarding his treatment, the Sixers began fining him. Once he was traded, he filed a grievance against the Sixers to try to recoup some of the $20 million he lost.
They have come to a settlement.
76ers maintained Simmons breached his contract upon failing to show up for the start of training camp and refusing to play in the preseason and regular season prior to being traded to the Nets. Simmons cited his mental health for the reason his participation in team activities was so limited.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) August 15, 2022
Adrian Wojnarowski reported that both sides have agreed to confidentiality on the numbers of the settlement.
Both sides agreed to a confidentiality agreement on the exact financial settlement, sources told ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) August 15, 2022
Now that Simmons is with the Nets and has reached an agreement with the Sixers, the book on the Simmons era in Philadelphia should officially close.
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