Three-time NBA champion Danny Green turned back the clock to share just how bad the feud between Ben Simmons and the Philadelphia 76ers was
It's hard to forget the drama-filled era that took place between Ben Simmons and the Philadelphia 76ers.
Despite developing into a three-time All-Star in Philadelphia, Simmons and the 76ers' front office had one of the sourest endings in recent memory. After an extended period of back and forth between the two parties, which included sitting out for an entire season, Simmons was sent to the Brooklyn Nets in the trade that brought James Harden to Philadelphia.
Three-time NBA champion Danny Green played for Sixers for two seasons from 2020 to 2022, which aligns perfectly with when all the chaos surrounding Simmons was going down. It's worth noting Green also returned to play for the team in the 2023-2024 season.
On an episode of the No Fouls Given podcast, Green gave insight on just how bad things got between Simmons and the 76ers.
“Ben, again it was after the playoffs, where Doc had the statement. I don't think he took kindly to it, and the fact that there were rumblings of Philly exploring ideas of moving him came out to where it was like, ‘Nah, [expletive] that. I want to be traded.’ Break up with you before you break up with me type scenario," Green said.
Green continued, "So then, he wanted to be traded, and he didn’t show up. We were gonna go meet with him, fly out there to see him, and try and talk to him, and he told us don’t waste your time. He communicated with like one or two guys on the team he was still cool with... Everybody else, he treated us like we were the front office."
As previously mentioned, Simmons played the best years of his career in Philadelphia. He was even a member of the All-NBA Third Team in 2020.
“So, we had a plane ready and didn’t go on it. It took some time, he came back, got thrown out of practice purposely. He had the sweats on, phone in the pocket. Did a couple of drills, Doc was like, ‘Yo, come on in, bruh.’ Ben was like, ‘Nah, I’m good.’ [Doc responded], 'Alright, well get the [expletive] out then, go home,'" Green concluded.
Despite rumblings in recent seasons of Simmons making a return to the Sixers, the relationship may be too far gone to repair.
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