Ben Simmons makes shock return to Sixers camp

In one other tweet, Wojnarowski wrote that in accordance with his sources, the Sixers are “hopeful to begin transferring towards the subsequent steps of a return with Simmons” and that the group wish to see Simmons “again on the court docket as soon as he clears protocols, however that continues to be to be seen.”

Ever for the reason that top-seeded Sixers have been eradicated by the fifth-seeded Atlanta Hawks within the Jap Convention Semifinals in June — and Simmons’ lack of manufacturing, particularly within the fourth quarter — was put below a microscope, it is appeared like a foregone conclusion that the previous Rookie of the 12 months could be traded. Previous to Monday, Simmons had been holding out of coaching camp and the preseason, however had already been fined roughly $360,000 for every of the 2 preseason video games that he missed.

According to Wojnarowski, the Sixers have been nearing the tip-off of their eventual 115-104 preseason win over the Brooklyn Nets on Monday when Simmons arrived from Los Angeles to the Wells Fargo Heart in Philadelphia to take the COVID-19 check.

“Simmons is anticipated to satisfy with the group’s management beginning Tuesday on the staff’s follow facility, sources mentioned,” Wojnarowski wrote. “That might be telltale for the group to start to find whether or not there’s a gap to persuade Simmons {that a} reconciliation is feasible — or whether or not Simmons’ return is solely what’s wanted to get the form of commerce that the Sixers wish to keep contenders round All-NBA middle Joel Embiid.”

Simmons has 4 years and $147 million remaining on his contract.