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PHILADELPHIA – The 76ers are trying to make a statement with Ben Simmons.
The disgruntled playmaker’s contract was structured to receive 50% of this season’s $ 33 million salary by October 1. He had already received an upfront payment of $ 8.25 million on July 1 and was due to receive his second payment on Friday.
Instead, the Sixers withheld his salary and placed the second payment in an escrow account, sources confirmed. Sources said it was an option as the Sixers sought to ensure that any fines for his absence from training camp could be deducted from that account in the future.
Simmons wants to be traded and has refused to show up to training camp.
Teams have the option of withholding their pay when players are not providing services, according to the NBA collective agreement. The Sixers can also fine Simmons for missing media day and training camp practices. He didn’t show up for Monday’s media day and has now missed three practices. Friday’s training has been canceled.
Players can be fined $ 2,500 for the first day of missed practice. The fine is increased to $ 5,000 for the second day missed and to $ 7,500 for the third day. And the Sixers could also suspend Simmons once preseason games begin on Oct. 4, which would cost him $ 227,613 for every game missed.
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