Australian guard Ben Simmons has given another strong indication that he’s moving on from the 76ers, with news that he has sold his property in Philadelphia.
According to local media, Simmons’ residence at The Ritz-Carlton Residences of Philadelphia was listed on Sunday for $3.1 million ($4.27 million AUD).
Simmons purchased his place at the Ritz for $2.54 million ($3.5 million AUD) in 2018. He has another home in Moorestown, New Jersey, roughly a 30-minute drive from Philadelphia – which, if also sold, would go for nearly double that amount.
A few months ago, he bought a farmhouse in California for $17.5 million ($23.6 million AUD).
He continues to try and convince the Sixers to trade him, even with $147 million ($202 million AUD) and four years left on his contract.
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The team has taken the position that they won’t trade him just for the sake of it, and are waiting for an offer that they deem suitable.
Given the public nature of their falling out, other teams are reluctant to make a fair offer, knowing Philadelphia have very little leverage in this situation.
The team withheld $8.25 million ($11.36 million AUD) of his salary last week and placed it into an escrow account, allowing them to fine him for each absence going forward.
With the NBA’s pre-season getting underway earlier this week, the Sixers will remove $360,000 ($496,000 AUD) from the escrow account in fines for every game the 25-year-old misses.
He’s lost one game cheque already, as the team began their warm-up games with a loss.
The 76ers went down in that pre-season opener 123-107 to the Toronto Raptors, without the familiar starting point guards for either team.
Kyle Lowry joined the Miami Heat in a sign-and-trade deal and the Sixers don’t know when Simmons might return.
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OG Anunoby scored 21 points for Toronto and Justin Champagnie had 17 points and 10 rebounds. Rookie Scottie Barnes, the No.4 pick in the draft, finished with 13 points, nine rebounds and six assists.
Precious Achiuwa, acquired from Miami in the Lowry trade, had 13 points and seven rebounds. Goran Dragic, whose number 7 in Miami is now being worn by Lowry, started and had eight points.
Andre Drummond, starting while Joel Embiid sat out, had 19 points and 14 rebounds. Tyrese Maxey scored 10 points starting in Simmons’ spot.
with AP
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