Because he refused to train and play, the Sixers withheld more than $19 million from Ben Simmons, before transferring him to the Nets. Via an appeal from his agent Rich Paul filed with the NBAthe Australian leader will try to recover them, and ESPN reports that this dispute is being followed very closely by the other franchises since the arbitration of the NBA might set a precedent.
« I don’t know exactly how long it takes for these things to settle, but it’s not over“, explains our colleague Zach Lowe in his podcast. « It’s in progress. I know that for sure. There have been recent complaints regarding this. And I think there’s $20 million or something at stake in lost wages. To say that the league and its other 29 teams are watching, listening and eagerly awaiting the outcome of this case is also an understatement. Whatever the outcome of this case, there will be an earthquake when it happens if it is one-sided. »
An earthquake in prospect?
By “unilateral”, our colleague means a clear decision with the choice to give reason to Ben Simmons or the Sixers.
« If it’s something like 50/50 or something, people won’t know how to take it. On the other hand, if it is 90/10 for a camp, it will be an earthquake. »
An earthquake because if the NBA agrees with Ben Simmons, the players will be able to stay away from the group without fear of a fine. If the NBA proves the Sixers right, the players will think twice before requesting a transfer and staying away from the group.