Another day, another Ben Simmons trade update. We’re all getting tired of talking about it, trust me. However, our blood pact to report on any updates in the Philadelphia sports world remains firm.

Today, it looks like we have another update courtesy of Sam Amick of The Athletic. 

This should come as no surprise to anyone, but Ben Simmons is reportedly ready to play after “a few weeks of intensified conditioning and court action.” If you haven’t already feel free to trash any concern about Simmons’ “mental health” since we all know now that’s bullshit.

(I would also appreciate if the 76ers started fining him again.)

Simmons hasn’t played since Game 7 of the NBA playoffs last season on June 20, 2021. Since then, we haven’t heard from Simmons directly. Seven months of radio silence from Simmons himself has been absolutely ridiculous.

Instead, we get reports and rumors from both sides of the situation in Klutch Sports talking heads and the 76ers organization. 

Like I said, with the NBA trade deadline approaching on February 10th, these types of updates on Simmons and if he’s ready to play shouldn’t come as a surprise, they should be expected. 

Klutch Sports is going to start pushing reports that Ben Simmons is ready to play. We haven’t seen him in action and the thought here is that maybe there are concerns that he won’t be ready to play if a team does in fact make a trade.

I would have to assume the concerns don’t stop with if Simmons is ready to play.

Additional Concerns with Ben Simmons

How is Ben Simmons mentally?

What version of Ben Simmons are we getting?

Will Ben Simmons commit to shooting the ball?

How do we know Ben Simmons isn’t going to pass up a dunk?

How is Ben Simmons from the free throw line?

From there, teams will probably be concerned with Simmons pulling another one of these ridiculous stunts if things get tough or if he’s traded to a team outside of California, the state he has been reportedly adamant on playing in. 

Simmons has three more years and roughly $108 million left on his contract after this season. No one has heard from him and it’s pretty clear that he’s not willing to speak with anyone until he is out of Philadelphia. 

If you’re another NBA team, how could you possibly make a trade for Simmons with all the uncertainty? This guy abandoned his teammates, the 76ers organization, and his contract extension already, is anyone sure that’s going to change? 

Follow up question

Is anyone sure that Ben Simmons wants to play basketball? 

We have written about the teams that Amick also mentions in his article about potential suitors for a Ben Simmons trade.

Read More: 5 Teams to watch in Trade Discussions for Ben Simmons >>

Even yesterday, known rat Brian Windhorst reported that the 76ers are considering a Simmons-Harris trade package. Of course, that was then contradicted by Woj later in the day when he said that the Ben Simmons saga could be extended until the 2022 NBA Draft, meaning that no deal will be made until the offseason. 

Read More: Kings soften stance on player availability before trade deadline >>

One thing is for sure, the Philadelphia 76ers have Joel Embiid playing at an MVP level. He’s scored 30+ points in seven straight games and the Sixers will enter tonight against the Hornets on a seven game winning streak. 

However, you can’t possibly think this version of the 76ers, with Ben Simmons sitting out, is championship ready. At this point, your guess is as good as mine. Will Ben Simmons be moved before the deadline or will we continue to suffer throughout this season and into the offseason?

Like always, only time will tell.