With the NBA Trade Deadline arriving on February 10th, we have a new update from the Ben Simmons camp today. According to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne, Ben Simmons is reportedly “open” to sitting out the entire 2021-22 season despite the fines from the 76ers organization.

Ramona Shelburne on NBA Today:

Well, now I’m just confused. Despite the fines? Shams came out last week stating that the Philadelphia 76ers are no longer fining Ben Simmons. On top of that, ESPN is running the banner in the video stating that “Simmons has not played this season citing mental health issues” while last week, it was reported that he was ready to play and has been ramping up his workout routine in the event that he is traded.

Regardless, Ben, I think the entire world knows you’re open to sitting out this season, you moron.

The entire saga of Ben Simmons and the Philadelphia 76ers is exhausting. As I’m writing this, the Sixers are about to lose to the Washington Wizards but entering today, they have faired extremely well without Ben Simmons. Joel Embiid even went as far as saying that “there’s no urgency” in changing anything before the deadline and that the team “has everything they need.”

Ben Simmons saying he’s fine sitting out for the year shouldn’t come as any surprise. I’ve thought for a while now that Simmons wouldn’t be moved at the trade deadline and that Daryl Morey and the Philadelphia 76ers would wait until the offseason before making any deals. After all, Morey did tell every 76ers’ fan to “buckle up” a few months back during an interview on 97.5 The Fanatic.

For the 76ers, it would make more sense to wait until the end of the season where big name players will enter free agency. James Harden already declined his player option in Brooklyn and Bradley Beal will likely do the same at some point during the offseason.

Woj confirmed this last week that it’s likely the Sixers will wait until the 2022 NBA Draft before moving Simmons. Still, the question remains if Ben Simmons really wants to play basketball again and on top of that, who would honestly want him after the way events unfolded over the last nine months? I sure wouldn’t. There’s literally no reason for him to not be playing. Can anyone really trust where his head is at and if he’s ready to become a valuable asset to a team in need?

My guess is no, and that is playing a part in why no deal has been made yet.