With an off-season filled with rumors galore coming to a close, another development in the Ben Simmons trade saga has emerged. According to Tom Moore, the 76ers are expecting Ben Simmons to play for the team in the upcoming season. After previous reports suggested Ben Simmons would not show up to training camp, this new perspective from the Sixers organization means we may be in for a good old-fashioned standoff.

Personally, it is nice to see that Daryl Morey has the brass to not fold to the likes of Klutch Sports and Rich Paul. Morey won’t let Ben Simmons and his camp force a deal that doesn’t make this team better for the future. He understands the window given to the 76ers with Joel Embiid’s play as of late, and won’t let Ben Simmons jeopardize it. Joel Embiid has also expressed his fondness for playing alongside Ben in the midst of his threats to not come to training camp while seeking a trade. All of this is speculation, but maybe Daryl Morey truly believes this team can win with the pieces from last year.

When looking at Morey’s off-season moves, that point is further reflected. Bringing back Danny Green and Furkan Korkmaz shows a level of trust in the core he curated last season. You bring in Andre Drummond to replace Dwight Howard (which is an upgrade by the way), and this team with Ben Simmons in the lineup looks very similar. If you need any further proof of Morey’s fondness of running it back, look no further than this tweet from earlier this off-season.

If this report is true, the ball is figuratively, and in some aspects literally, in Ben Simmons’ court. While this potential stand-off does give me Le’Veon Bell/Steelers vibes, this situation is much different. Bell was franchised tagged, which basically means he was forced to take a one-year deal by the team to stay in Pittsburgh. Ben Simmons, is only in his second year of a five-year max contract. If he chooses to sit out, he would forfeit an insane amount of cash all while not having an out in the near future like Le’Veon Bell.

While every report should be taken with a grain of salt, especially in the off-season 76ers fans have dealt with, the 76ers taking a hard stance regarding Ben Simmons is a great sign. Morey still understands the talent Ben Simmons can bring to a team, and will not forfeit that talent for an unfair deal. Rich Paul and Klutch Sports can spread rumors and threats all they want, but it sounds like Daryl Morey will not budge. Regardless, once training camp kicks off on the 28th, we’re all in for a very interesting conclusion to this 76ers offseason.

Mandatory Credit: Philadelphia Inquirer