The relationship between Ben Simmons and Philadelphia 76ers coach Doc Rivers may have deteriorated over the last 12 months amid the Aussie’s ugly holdout, but that didn’t stop the pair from sharing one last phone call.
After spending seven months on the sidelines, Simmons was finally granted his exit out of Philadelphia on Friday, an exit which came despite Rivers and fellow 76ers teammates repeatedly urging the disgruntled Australian star to take to the court.
In the end, the blockbuster deal which saw Philadelphia receive James Harden in exchange finally went down just hours before the NBA’s trade deadline and a new report has given an insight into Simmons’ actions shortly after the trade was completed.
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According to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne, the Aussie had been “pessimistic” on the chances of the deal going through as he spent the day scouring social media and news outlets at home with his family.
Once it was done, Simmons made two phone calls – one to a Nets brass featuring new superstar teammate Kevin Durant, and the other to his soon-to-be former coach, Rivers.
“In recent weeks, Simmons and Rivers had started speaking again, with conversations increasing in substance,” Shelburne wrote.
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“Simmons had never gotten over what he perceived as a lack of public support from Rivers’ in the aftermath of his playoff meltdown to the Hawks.
“Throughout the summer, Rivers tried to reach him, but Simmons’ never responded to the many calls and texts. The final conversation Thursday covered no more of that ground, sources said.
“This seven-month saga had worn them out, and both were relieved it was over. They exchanged pleasantries, ended the call and both knew they would soon re-engage in what undoubtedly has escalated into the fiercest rivalry in the sport — Sixers-Nets.”
Despite the trade being completed, Simmons is not expected to immediately take to the court with his new team.
According to his agent, Rich Paul, Simmons plans to continue seeing his therapist as he grapples with the mental health hurdles that have stopped him from getting back to playing.
However, the Australian is planning to take to the court at some point this season, something he’s insisted would not happen had he remained in Philadelphia beyond the deadline.