The Ben Simmons saga could be about to end with the Australian set to backflip on his hold out and return to the Sixers.
The bombshell news has been doing the rounds in the US over the last 24 hours, with Simmons’ agent Rich Paul “working around the clock on a resolution” that ends with the three-time All-Star returning to Philadelphia, according to The Athletic.
Sources told the publication that Simmons could return to Sixers camp “as soon as this week” with Paul working the phones and dealing directly with 76ers general manager Elton Brand and coach Doc Rivers.
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It’s understood the 25-year-old old is starting to question his approach to the situation after being fined around $360,000 ($A490,000) for missing Philadelphia’s opening pre-season loss to Toronto.
Simmons and his agent spoke with the NBA Players Association last week and the union confirmed the disgruntled star cannot recoup the money he’s fined by the Sixers, forcing him to rethink his strategy.
The Australian doesn’t want to extend his stay with the 76ers but is considering a return to boost his trade value and expedite his trade.
The reported move is a massive backflip and something that hardly ever happens in the NBA with star players usually getting what they want if a trade is being pushed.
How Simmons plans to mix with teammates that he shunned earlier in the preseason is unclear.
Reports emerged that Simmons rejected a meeting with his teammates, with the Aussie reportedly saying Simmons’ partnership with Joel Embiid had ran its course.
Embiid described that as “borderline disrespectful” and its unknown how he plans to smooth things over with his teammates.
Then there’s the Philadelphia fan base.
Everyone from news anchors, weathermen to the average fan have expressed their displeasure with the way the Aussie has dealt with the issue.
Even a small ‘F— Ben Simmons’ chant broke out at a Philadelphia wrestling event earlier in the week.
Simmons has four years and $147 million ($A202m) remaining on his current max contract.
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