By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Ben Simmons arrived in Philadelphia to take a COVID-19 test, per ESPN.
Simmons, 25, was previously reported to be closer to returning to the Philadelphia 76ers but still looking for a trade. The latest update on his status seems to confirm at least the intention to rejoin the Sixers. His team is prepared to welcome him back on the court once he clears the coronavirus health and safety protocols but is likely to continue exploring the marker for a potential trade.
The Minnesota Timberwolves, Indiana Pacers, Cleveland Cavaliers, Detroit Pistons, Toronto Raptors, and San Antonio Spurs recently surfaced as possible trade destinations for the Australian guard/forward.
The offseason, apart from the holdout from the 76ers, included Simmons withdrawing from the Australia Olympic squad. He initially intended to finally make his debut at the senior level for the Boomers but instead decided to focus on the 2021-22 NBA season.
The three-time All-Star, despite having four years left on his contract, went on opting to request a trade and sit out training camp after receiving much of the blame for the Eastern Conference Semifinals elimination by the Atlanta Hawks. His reluctance to shoot and being limited to just 15/45 free throws in the seven-game series were the main themes of the criticism, also from players and staff of the 76ers. He had posted 11.9 points, 8.8 assists, 7.9 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per postseason contest.
The former LSU standout was the top pick of the 2016 NBA draft. The following four seasons at Philadelphia generated 309 appearances in NBA matches, including 34 Playoff tilts.