The Nets’ Ben Simmons and the Philadelphia 76ers have reached a grievance settlement, according to a report Monday by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. Simmons was seeking a portion of the nearly $20 million that was withheld after he refused to suit up for the 76ers.
Simmons was the No. 1 pick by the 76ers in 2016 and became an All-Star. But he was heavily criticized after he struggled when the top-seeded 76ers were upset by Atlanta in the 2021 Eastern Conference semifinals.
He cited his mental health as the reason for not participating in team activities with the 76ers last season. The two sides subsequently disagreed on whether or not the team’s doctors were able to diagnose and affirm Simmons’ mental health.
The players’ representatives and the 76ers “had several conversations” since then “to resolve the matter without arbitration,” but “those talks ended without a resolution, promoting the filing of the grievance,” according to Woj.
Simmons, 26, did not play an NBA game last season since he faced back injury issues after the trade from Philadelphia to Brooklyn. The three-time All-Star point guard underwent back surgery May 5.
He’s expected to be ready for the start of the Brooklyn Nets’ training camp in September.