Sixers, Ben Simmons reach agreement on $20 million withheld during his holdout
Ben Simmons sat down with the 76ers brass in Los Angeles last summer and demanded a trade, letting the front office know he had no intention of attending training camp or playing in the 2021-22 season.
The embattled point guard made good on that threat, only briefly joining the team for practice during the preseason. In response, the Sixers withheld his salary, fined him for failing to show up to training camp, practices, and games, and placed the money in an escrow account.
Simmons’ representatives, including his Klutch Sports agent Rich Paul, disagreed with the Sixers’ course of action. They contended that Simmons’ brief stint with the team ended because he needed to focus on his mental health. The Sixers traded Simmons to the Brooklyn Nets in the blockbuster deal for James Harden on Feb. 10.
Both sides have finally met in the middle and come to a settlement agreement on Simmons’ grievance to recoup $20 million lost during the 2021-22 season, a Sixers official confirmed Monday. The terms of the agreement were not disclosed. Simmons and the National Basketball Players Association filed the grievance in April after Simmons’ representatives and the Sixers could not reach an agreement.
Although he did not play for the Nets after he was traded, Simmons was paid his entire salary for the second half of the season. It was thought that he might play in Game 4 of the team’s first-round series against the Boston Celtics but could not overcome a back injury. The Nets were swept and Simmons had back surgery in May.
The Sixers selected Simmons with the No. 1 pick in the 2016 NBA draft. He missed the entire 2016-17 season with a foot injury, but developed into one of the league’s premier playmakers and defenders. He averaged 15.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.7 assists for the Sixers in four seasons. In the process, he garnered a Rookie of Year nod, an All-NBA selection, two All-Star Game appearances, and made two All-Defensive teams.
The settlement brings a sense of finality to a saga that dragged on for months and altered Simmons’ relationship with the city, where he was once beloved and viewed as a key cog in the Sixers’ graduation from “The Process” to contention in the Eastern Conference.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersJohn Minchillo
A one-and-done star with athleticism and length that makes him a legitimate NBA wing. Might be most ready to contribute among top draft picks.
John MinchilloA one-and-done star with athleticism and length that makes him a legitimate NBA wing. Might be most ready to contribute among top draft picks.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersJohn Minchillo
In one season with the Bulldogs this lanky big man was a two-way standout with scoring touch and shot-blocking ability. Needs to bulk up.
John MinchilloIn one season with the Bulldogs this lanky big man was a two-way standout with scoring touch and shot-blocking ability. Needs to bulk up.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersJohn Minchillo
The one-and-done Tigers star is top scorer who has the all-around skills to become a two-way star with improved defense.
John MinchilloThe one-and-done Tigers star is top scorer who has the all-around skills to become a two-way star with improved defense.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersJohn Minchillo
A skilled forward with above average athleticism and basketball IQ. Another prototypical wing capable of guarding multiple positions.
John MinchilloA skilled forward with above average athleticism and basketball IQ. Another prototypical wing capable of guarding multiple positions.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersJohn Minchillo
An extremely athletic lead guard after two college seasons who has an explosive first step and can create his own shot. Needs to improve on defense.
John MinchilloAn extremely athletic lead guard after two college seasons who has an explosive first step and can create his own shot. Needs to improve on defense.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersJohn Minchillo
Considered one of the best catch-and-shoot wings in the draft, he could be a contributor in the more wide-open NBA.
John MinchilloConsidered one of the best catch-and-shoot wings in the draft, he could be a contributor in the more wide-open NBA.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersJohn Minchillo
A Canadian with athleticism and two-way skills who can score in a variety of ways. He did not play for the Wildcats last season.
John MinchilloA Canadian with athleticism and two-way skills who can score in a variety of ways. He did not play for the Wildcats last season.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersJohn Minchillo
This Australian playmaker has above-average court vision and has shown the ability to become a lockdown defender.
John MinchilloThis Australian playmaker has above-average court vision and has shown the ability to become a lockdown defender.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersJohn Minchillo
Considered one of the best defenders available, he could fit in well in the NBA’s position-less game. Good rebounder and slasher too.
John MinchilloConsidered one of the best defenders available, he could fit in well in the NBA’s position-less game. Good rebounder and slasher too.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersJohn Minchillo
After two years with the Badgers, he’s shown the ability to score in the lane and from mid-range. Has shown capacity to be elite defender.
John MinchilloAfter two years with the Badgers, he’s shown the ability to score in the lane and from mid-range. Has shown capacity to be elite defender.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersJohn Minchillo
A scorer with great length who can make plays, he had an outstanding junior season for the Broncos. Needs to improve defense and rebounding.
John MinchilloA scorer with great length who can make plays, he had an outstanding junior season for the Broncos. Needs to improve defense and rebounding.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersJohn Minchillo
One of the youngest players in the draft, he’s a physically gifted big man who can score inside and has the potential to defend inside and out. (His draft rights reportedly traded to Detroit.)
John MinchilloOne of the youngest players in the draft, he’s a physically gifted big man who can score inside and has the potential to defend inside and out. (His draft rights reportedly traded to Detroit.)
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersJohn Minchillo
Athletic 3-and-D wing, he played 122 games for the Jayhawks and knocked down 39.7% of his threes last season.
John MinchilloAthletic 3-and-D wing, he played 122 games for the Jayhawks and knocked down 39.7% of his threes last season.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersJohn Minchillo
Showed big upside during his sophomore season with his physicality and wingspan around the rim on both ends of the court.
John MinchilloShowed big upside during his sophomore season with his physicality and wingspan around the rim on both ends of the court.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersJohn Minchillo
This two-way wing, who turns 19 in August, is considered one of the top scorers in the draft with solid moves and a mid-range game.
John MinchilloThis two-way wing, who turns 19 in August, is considered one of the top scorers in the draft with solid moves and a mid-range game.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersJohn Minchillo
Another prototypical wing who is long, athletic and capable of defending on the perimeter. Shot better than 50% in two seasons at LSU.
John MinchilloAnother prototypical wing who is long, athletic and capable of defending on the perimeter. Shot better than 50% in two seasons at LSU.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersRick Scuteri
A two-way player who was a low-volume shooter for the Wildcats, he has plenty of upside with his size and all-around game.
Rick ScuteriA two-way player who was a low-volume shooter for the Wildcats, he has plenty of upside with his size and all-around game.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersJohn Minchillo
This versatile, wide-bodied forward had a solid junior season after transferring from Indiana State. Can score in a variety of ways. (Draft rights reportedly traded to Memphis.)
John MinchilloThis versatile, wide-bodied forward had a solid junior season after transferring from Indiana State. Can score in a variety of ways. (Draft rights reportedly traded to Memphis.)
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersJohn Minchillo
Another one-and-done wing who lacks elite athleticism but can score in a variety of ways. Shot 41.6% from deep, taking 2.8 threes per game.
John MinchilloAnother one-and-done wing who lacks elite athleticism but can score in a variety of ways. Shot 41.6% from deep, taking 2.8 threes per game.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersJohn Minchillo
A skilled wing who shot 39% from deep last season, he’s a team player who brings energy on both ends of the court.
John MinchilloA skilled wing who shot 39% from deep last season, he’s a team player who brings energy on both ends of the court.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersJohn Minchillo
Played 29 games as a freshman reserve at UNC before starting 34 for the Tigers. Has a well-rounded offensive game and can defend. (Draft rights reportedly traded to Minnesota.)
John MinchilloPlayed 29 games as a freshman reserve at UNC before starting 34 for the Tigers. Has a well-rounded offensive game and can defend. (Draft rights reportedly traded to Minnesota.)
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersMichael Conroy
At 250 pounds, he plays bigger than his size and had a big junior season averaging 19.1 points while shooting 43.1% from deep. (Draft rights reportedly traded to Memphis.)
Michael ConroyAt 250 pounds, he plays bigger than his size and had a big junior season averaging 19.1 points while shooting 43.1% from deep. (Draft rights reportedly traded to Memphis.)
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersJohn Minchillo
An athletic and skilled wing, he spent one season playing JC ball before joining the Ignite. Has all the tools to be a solid two-way player.
John MinchilloAn athletic and skilled wing, he spent one season playing JC ball before joining the Ignite. Has all the tools to be a solid two-way player.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersJohn Minchillo
This one-and-done scorer could be a combo guard in the NBA, an exceptional athlete with a mid-range game and the ability to score in the lane.
John MinchilloThis one-and-done scorer could be a combo guard in the NBA, an exceptional athlete with a mid-range game and the ability to score in the lane.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersDavid J. Phillip
An excellent defender who averaged 13.4 points and 4.4 assists as a junior, when he sank 41% of his three-pointers.
David J. PhillipAn excellent defender who averaged 13.4 points and 4.4 assists as a junior, when he sank 41% of his three-pointers.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersJohn Minchillo
A talented, offensive-minded wing who is a scorer and playmaker. Not an explosive athlete but does move well for his size.
John MinchilloA talented, offensive-minded wing who is a scorer and playmaker. Not an explosive athlete but does move well for his size.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersAlan Youngblood
An ankle injury led to him only playing 11 games for his father’s team, but he has plenty of upside and U19 national team experience.
Alan YoungbloodAn ankle injury led to him only playing 11 games for his father’s team, but he has plenty of upside and U19 national team experience.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersJohn Minchillo
An athletic floor leader who can score and create. Good wingspan helps make him a solid defender and rebounder for his size.
John MinchilloAn athletic floor leader who can score and create. Good wingspan helps make him a solid defender and rebounder for his size.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersJohn Minchillo
The Bruins reserve wing only averaged 12.9 minutes but has big upside with his athleticism, explosive first step and leaping ability.
Second Round:
John MinchilloThe Bruins reserve wing only averaged 12.9 minutes but has big upside with his athleticism, explosive first step and leaping ability.
Second Round:
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersCraig Mitchelldyer
A true floor general from Canada who has the size and experience to be a two-way player in the NBA after 131 games at Florida and Gonzaga.
Craig MitchelldyerA true floor general from Canada who has the size and experience to be a two-way player in the NBA after 131 games at Florida and Gonzaga.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersJay LaPrete
This one-and-done wing is a solid scorer and playmaker, shooting 35.5% from deep while averaging 10.1 points in 34 starts.
Jay LaPreteThis one-and-done wing is a solid scorer and playmaker, shooting 35.5% from deep while averaging 10.1 points in 34 starts.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersDavid J. Phillip
After a breakout junior season with the Wildcats, this Cameroon native has the ability to be a rim protector and lob threat in the NBA.
David J. PhillipAfter a breakout junior season with the Wildcats, this Cameroon native has the ability to be a rim protector and lob threat in the NBA.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersMarcio Jose Sanchez
A big man with good all-around skills and basketball IQ who is made for the NBA game. An above-average defender as well.
Marcio Jose SanchezA big man with good all-around skills and basketball IQ who is made for the NBA game. An above-average defender as well.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersDarron Cummings
A lanky and crafty player, he’s a natural scorer who can get into the lane with ease. Only shot 38% from the field in his lone college season.
Darron CummingsA lanky and crafty player, he’s a natural scorer who can get into the lane with ease. Only shot 38% from the field in his lone college season.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersTed S. Warren
A combo guard with athleticism who has the ability to score off the dribble, from mid-range and deep. Plays out of control at times.
Ted S. WarrenA combo guard with athleticism who has the ability to score off the dribble, from mid-range and deep. Plays out of control at times.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersChris O'Meara
A one-and-done, hard-nosed floor general who can also score, averaging 13.9 points and 4.7 assists while shooting 38.3% on threes.
Chris O'MearaA one-and-done, hard-nosed floor general who can also score, averaging 13.9 points and 4.7 assists while shooting 38.3% on threes.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersRebecca S. Gratz
A natural scorer with plenty of athleticism and upside. Averaged 16.8 points, shooting 80.3% on free throws but only 27.4% from deep. (Draft rights reportedly traded to Memphis.)
Rebecca S. GratzA natural scorer with plenty of athleticism and upside. Averaged 16.8 points, shooting 80.3% on free throws but only 27.4% from deep. (Draft rights reportedly traded to Memphis.)
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersGene J. Puskar
He’s a low-post presence with the ability to score from mid-range. Had an outstanding junior season as a rebounder, defender and shot-blocker.
Gene J. PuskarHe’s a low-post presence with the ability to score from mid-range. Had an outstanding junior season as a rebounder, defender and shot-blocker.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersMarcio Jose Sanchez
A one-and-done lead guard who has size and athleticism. He started 26 of 36 games for the Blue Devils, averaging 11.5 points.
Marcio Jose SanchezA one-and-done lead guard who has size and athleticism. He started 26 of 36 games for the Blue Devils, averaging 11.5 points.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersDavid J. Phillip
This one-and-done, lanky forward from France is a solid two-way player who averaged 9.0 points and 6.8 rebounds for the Wolverines.
David J. PhillipThis one-and-done, lanky forward from France is a solid two-way player who averaged 9.0 points and 6.8 rebounds for the Wolverines.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersPaul Sancya
Has the skills to be a combo guard in the NBA after two college seasons, when he showed he could score in a variety of ways. A 50/40/90 shooter.
Paul SancyaHas the skills to be a combo guard in the NBA after two college seasons, when he showed he could score in a variety of ways. A 50/40/90 shooter.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersSean Meagher
A smooth one-and-done wing with leaping ability who only shot 14.3% from deep (2 of 14). Needs to improve range and defense.
Sean MeagherA smooth one-and-done wing with leaping ability who only shot 14.3% from deep (2 of 14). Needs to improve range and defense.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersTrent Sprague
A skilled wing who can score in a variety of ways. Could develop into a prototypical 3-and-D players.
Trent SpragueA skilled wing who can score in a variety of ways. Could develop into a prototypical 3-and-D players.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersTony Gutierrez
An explosive athlete and two-way standout, he has the ability to score in a variety of ways, just not from deep. Outstanding defender.
Tony GutierrezAn explosive athlete and two-way standout, he has the ability to score in a variety of ways, just not from deep. Outstanding defender.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersBrynn Anderson
The former Trojans star has a solid all-around game that could translate to a stretch 4, but lacks elite athleticism.
Brynn AndersonThe former Trojans star has a solid all-around game that could translate to a stretch 4, but lacks elite athleticism.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersFrank Franklin II
The Rhode Island transfer showed 3-and-D potential with the Huskies, averaging 13.6 points while shooting 43.1% from deep last season.
Frank Franklin IIThe Rhode Island transfer showed 3-and-D potential with the Huskies, averaging 13.6 points while shooting 43.1% from deep last season.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersDenis Poroy
The one-and-done combo guard made only six starts. He’s a big-time athlete with plenty of offensive moves. Lacks shooting depth.
Denis PoroyThe one-and-done combo guard made only six starts. He’s a big-time athlete with plenty of offensive moves. Lacks shooting depth.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersRick Bowmer
A potential combo forward, this Inglewood native is considered a tweener but is a proficient scorer and rebounder.
Rick BowmerA potential combo forward, this Inglewood native is considered a tweener but is a proficient scorer and rebounder.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersCharles Rex Arbogast
A hard-nosed two-way player from France who averaged 13.9 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.5 assists in Australia’s NBL.
Charles Rex ArbogastA hard-nosed two-way player from France who averaged 13.9 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.5 assists in Australia’s NBL.
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Sixers, Ben Simmons reach agreement on $20 million withheld during his holdoutSTEVEN M. FALK/The Philadelphia Inquirer/TNS
The Brooklyn Nets' Ben Simmons before a game against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on March 10, 2022, in Philadelphia. (Steven M. Falk/The Philadelphia Inquirer/TNS)
STEVEN M. FALK/The Philadelphia Inquirer/TNSThe Brooklyn Nets' Ben Simmons before a game against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on March 10, 2022, in Philadelphia. (Steven M. Falk/The Philadelphia Inquirer/TNS)
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