Ben Simmons‘ absence from the NBA has been somewhat costly to the 76ers this season, but it may have been more costly to him.
According to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne, Simmons has been fined over $19 million for sitting out this season.
“SIMMONS HAS LOST over $19 million in fines since the season began (each missed game costs him $360,000). He hasn’t cleared a paycheck since the $8.25 million (25% of his $33 million salary) that was due to him Oct. 1. Every two weeks the team sends a notice with an explanation of all the fines he has accumulated for failing to render services, instead of a $1.375 million paycheck. By the end of the season, if he does not play for the Sixers or any other team, Simmons could lose another $12 million.”
‘”We don’t give a f— about the money,” one source close to Simmons says. “That’s not what this is. It’s hard for people to understand. But if you believe in what you’re doing and that this is not the right situation for you, and you’re trying to get to a better place, the money doesn’t matter. Obviously it’s a financial hit. But you adjust.”‘
Simmons has yet to suit up for the 76ers this season, as he has sat out the entire season thus far, waiting for Philadelphia to trade him. Thus far, that trade hasn’t come to fruition, and if he’s not moved, Simmons may well sit out the entire season.
According to Shelburne, the situation between Simmons and the 76ers had reportedly gotten bad enough to the point where he ignored calls and texts from 76ers head coach Doc Rivers.
In his absence, the 76ers have produced a solid season so far, currently second in the Eastern Conference with a record of 31-19, just one game back of the Chicago Bulls.
If Philadelphia wishes to trade Simmons, it doesn’t have long to do it, with the NBA’s trade deadline less than two weeks away on Thursday, Feb. 10.
