If this reported filing of a grievance by Ben Simmons against the Sixers goes as expected, he would bag over $20 million he’s lost during his holdout. According to Kyle Neubeck of the Philly Voice via Awesemo:
His representation will soon file a grievance against the Sixers in attempt to recoup the over $20 million the three-time All-Star lost during his holdout.
Neubeck also indicated that there’s talk in league circles that Rich Paul and Klutch Sports will use the reaction to Simmons on Thursday as part of their argument.
Here is the report from Philly Voice:
“Put Simmons in the middle of that storm, the argument goes, and it’s believed that will be Exhibit A in the case of why Simmons could not and did not fulfill his obligations for the Sixers prior to being traded, why he was unprepared to work for this franchise prior to being dealt. And the debate over Simmons’ obligation to the franchise is what will ultimately take center stage, even if Simmons’ side of the argument appears to be fighting an uphill battle in their quest to recoup his lost money.”
Simmons reported to the team, but it never appeared that he had any intention of playing for the Sixers.
As Neubeck reports, the Sixers’ case is strong in this matter:
“Based on conversations with league sources and several people familiar with the NBA’s collective bargaining agreement, the early indication is that the Sixers are in a much stronger position here. That has seemed true throughout this process, including when Simmons’ representation approached the players association in early October about their ability to recoup money from this standoff, though it will ultimately be up to an independent arbitrator if and when this process moves forward.”
The expected move has been a long time coming. Dating back to the fall, there have been many around the Sixers’ organization who have chosen to go radio silent on all things Simmons, aware that arbitration was a likely outcome for this process. And anyone with a rudimentary understanding of finances also probably could have seen this coming — nobody likes to throw away $20 million even if they have than that in the bank or coming to them down the road.
Flip to the next page for a breakdown of all the money Simmons has lost.