On March 31, Beijing time, the 2021-22 NBA regular season continued. In the middle of the season, the 76ers made a trade with the Nets, and Simmons was sent to the Nets. Once the deal was made, simmons and Embiid were completely torn apart, and their highest achievement was to reach the Eastern Conference semifinals.
Recently, Embiid was interviewed by Sports Illustrated reporter Chirs Mannix, who talked a lot about Simmons. Mannix said: "During those months, Embiid had been confident that Simmons would return to Philadelphia. Embiid said: "He lost a lot of money and at some point I felt very sorry for him and we needed to help him as much as we could. But I'm trying to fight for the championship, and what gives me a bigger chance of winning, I'm going to do it. ”
Before the deal was struck, Simmons repeatedly said he wanted a fresh start and thought his partnership with Embiid was "over." Embiid said, "I read all the reports about Simmons. I was really angry and several times I felt like I was really angry. ”
Mannix also wrote: "Embiid did not talk to Simmons. Not since the deal, and not in the previous months. Simmons is often present in the team's training gym, but Embiid said 'we've never seen him.' ’”
Embiid said: "I still don't know what drove him away, I hope to find out one day." I didn't feel anything uncomfortable because I didn't have any hatred for him. I respect the decisions he made, and I think it's unfortunate what happened, but for me, since it happened, so be it. ”
Embiid has averaged 29.9 points, 11.4 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.4 blocks so far this season, and he is very hopeful to be named MVP, while Simmons has never been in the game this season. The 76ers are currently no. 4 in the East and the Nets are no. 8, and the possibility of the two teams meeting in the playoffs is not ruled out.