SIMMONS FORCING THE ISSUE

Philadelphia 76ers star Ben Simmons will not report for the start of training camp next week and intends to never play another game for the team, ESPN reported Tuesday. The three-time NBA all-star point guard has not spoken to team officials since last month and appears determined to force the Sixers to find a trade partner. Simmons, 25, could be fined and/or suspended if he skips training camp, which opens Sept. 28. His relationship with the franchise soured during the 2021 playoffs when the 76ers, the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference, lost to the Atlanta Hawks in seven games in the second round. Simmons is a talented playmaker and defender, but his inability — or unwillingness — to take shots proved costly against the Hawks. The No. 1 overall pick in 2016 has four years left on a five-year $177.2 million max contract extension.