On January 1, Beijing time, the 2021-22 NBA regular season continued. As of today, the new NBA regular season has been running for nearly 70 days, and the 76ers have a record of 19 wins and 16 losses, ranking 5th in the East. 76ers All-Star guard Simmons has not played this season due to a conflict with the team.
Earlier today, prominent NBA journalist Michael K-B covered Simmons. According to him, the 76ers' fines for Simmons have exceeded $10 million. Simmons violated league regulations by not playing a game this season, and the 76ers are entitled to deduct his salary and impose a fine on him. If Simmons had stayed on the sidelines, his subsequent fines would have continued to accumulate.
Michael K-B specifically said: "At first glance, $10 million seems like a drop in the bucket for Simmons, who signed a five-year, $177.2 million contract with the 76ers. But a large portion of that goes to taxes, and given that he is only in the second year of his contract, a larger part of this contract has yet to be paid to him. But whether you love him, hate him, or despise him, you have to admire his commitment to perseverance. Whether he will get what he wants in this insistence, or whether he will eventually give in to the $10 million, remains to be seen. ”
Simmons earned $31.59 million this season, and he earned $33.93 million, $36.27 million and $38.61 million for the next three seasons. Last season, Simmons made 58 appearances for the 76ers, averaging 14.3 points, 7.2 rebounds and 6.9 assists per game. In the playoffs, Simmons' performance was not ideal, which made him the object of criticism by the team, causing him to be estranged and conflicted with the team. There are reportedly multiple teams that have interests in Simmons, including the Lakers and Cavaliers.
Speaking about Simmons' situation, 76ers coach Rivers said: "I had conversations with him but there was no news of his return. If he can play, that's fine. If he can't play, then we have to have someone else come forward. ”
All indications are that Simmons is still a long way from returning to the 76ers. Perhaps the end of him and the 76ers can only end with a trade.