Sixers, Nets Have One Less Distraction After Simmons Settlement

Ben Simmons has reportedly settled his grievance issue with the Philadelphia 76ers, a welcome development for both sides as well as the Brooklyn Nets.

It will be recalled that Simmons sat out the 2021-22 season due to mental health and injury issues. But at the top of it all was the fact that the former NBA Rookie of the Year drew heavy criticism for his performance in the 2021 NBA playoffs.

This allegedly took its toll on the 26-year-old All-Star who cited mental health issues. This led to him being traded to the Brooklyn Nets as part of the James Harden trade.

According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, Simmons and the Sixers have settled the grievance. However, this was done with strict confidentiality with the money involved withheld.

Regardless, this should be a welcome development for all parties concerned. Simmons can focus on getting himself back into shape while both the Sixers and the Nets can focus on the upcoming NBA season.

For the Nets, it is one less issue they have to deal with. They already have their hands full trying to deal with the Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant trade request issue.

Nets coach Steve Nash can be assured of having a playmaker in the fold for the coming season in Simmons. This is assuming that the Australian cager is ready to play pro basketball once more.

For the Sixers, they can now focus on building on Harden and Joel Embiid. There are talks that Kevin Durant could be in the mix, reuniting him with “The Beard.” However, this will come at a cost with Philly needing to give up some of the stars on their end.

Among the names mentioned are Tobias Harris and Matisse Thybulle as previously reported here on Latin Times. More could be added as the Sixers will have to find a way to cover the enormous salary of Durant should they pursue a trade for the two-time NBA champion.