Ben Simmons’ NBA stand off with Philadelphia 76ers takes another turn

NBA pre-season training starts in a week, but Ben Simmons remains determined not to report to Philadelphia 76ers camp amid a messy trade standoff.

Simmons’ future remains in limbo after telling 76ers officials he wants a trade and has no desire to attend training despite having four years left on his deal.

Philadelphia is open to trading the Australian star, but is yet to find a worthwhile trade package for the three-time All-Star, given his shooting form has regressed to a record low.

As a result, the 76ers are standing firm and trying to convince Simmons to attend training until they can secure an appropriate trade.

It comes as reports emerged about the Houston Rockets being “seriously interested” in acquiring the Australian before the start of training camp.

All-Star guard John Wall has requested a trade from the Rockets and Simmons has been floated as a potential replacement.

Houston was planning to have its squad settled in time for camp, meaning any trade for Simmons, with Wall going the other way, would need to happen in the next week.

However, the trade doesn’t match up. Wall makes more than US$44m per season, meaning the Sixers would also need to throw in a player such as Simmons’ fellow Aussie, Matisse Thybulle, to make the math work, according to reports.

Despite this, retired centre and former NBA champion Kendrick Perkins believes Wall would be a superior fit in Philadelphia than Simmons.

“I think John Wall in Philly with Joel Embiid is better than Ben Simmons in Philly with Joel Embiid,” said Perkins, a commentator with ESPN.

“Wall is actually going to take those shots and be aggressive and he is not going to be afraid to go to the free-throw line. I know his contract, he’s due almost $100 million over the next two years, but at the end of the day, I still think he has something to offer to a contending team.

“Last year, we got a glimpse of the old John Wall...I still think John Wall can help somebody.”