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No trade gained traction and Simmons has returned to the team as
the regular season is set to begin next week. In his most recent
comments on the topic, Embiid said last week the situation was
"borderline disrespectful."
Simmons has not met with the media and his return Monday to take
a COVID-19 test before the preseason tipoff between the Sixers
and Brooklyn Nets was a "complete surprise," according to
reports.
"I think there's going to be some adjustments, but it doesn't
need to be awkward," Embiid said of Simmons rejoining the roster
and ending a contentious holdout. "We're all professionals. We
want to win. He gives me the best chance to win. ... We're going
to be fine."
The Sixers continue to seek possible trade partners for Simmons,
per ESPN. But Klutch CEO Rich Paul and the organization have
been working around the clock to hammer out a path for the
6-foot-11 guard to remain a Sixer.
The Sixers withheld $8.25 million from Simmons in response to
his holdout. Simmons' contract called for two payments of $8.25
million before the season gets underway. He received the first
payment Aug. 2. The team put the money in escrow, from which
they will deduct fines Simmons racks up from his holdout.
Simmons' fines were up to $1 million once he missed Monday
night's preseason game against Brooklyn, per ESPN.
Simmons hasn't talked directly with 76ers' officials since late
August, when he requested a trade and reportedly made it clear
he would not play for the team again.
A three-time All-Star, Simmons has averages of 15.9 points, 8.1
rebounds and 7.7 assists per game over his four NBA seasons. The
25-year-old Australian is under contract for four more years
after signing a five-year deal worth more than $177 million in
2020.
In last season's Eastern Conference semifinals against the
Hawks, Simmons passed on a wide-open dunk late in Game 7. The
76ers ended up losing to close their season.
Embiid said last week that the entire situation involving
Simmons heading into the new season was "borderline
disrespectful." At issue for Simmons, in part, is playing with
Embiid, per reports.
--Field Level Media
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