Ben Simmons has fixed his problems connecting with withheld pay from 2021-22 season
Ben Simmons was scheduled to make $8.1 million next season, but the team withheld 25 percent of that amount – $2 million – because he missed significant time with a back injury this season. Simmons filed a grievance against the team in March, seeking the full amount of his salary.
The two sides have now reached a settlement, with Simmons receiving $1.6 million from the team. He will also have the opportunity to earn up to an additional $4 million in incentives.
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, Simmons has agreed to terms with the Sixers that will see him receive the $1 million he was owed from last season. In addition, the two sides have also apparently worked out a plan for the $8 million that will be withheld from Simmons’ salary for the 2021-22 season.
The two sides have been in mediation ever since, and it seems like they’ve finally reached a resolution.
It’s not clear exactly how much money Simmons will receive from the Sixers, but it’s a good resolution for both sides. Simmons gets the money he was owed, and the Sixers don’t have to worry about their star player being unhappy with his contract.
An arbitrator ruled in Simmons’ favor, and he has since been paid the full amount. “I’m glad that it’s all over,” Simmons said of the situation. “I can focus on basketball now and just worry about playing.”
Simmons missed a total of 27 games during the 2021-22 season, including 22 due to a nagging back injury. He was also held out of four games for what the team called “load management” and one game for violating team rules.
“Obviously I wish I could have been out there more, but it is what it is,” Simmons said. “I’m just happy that it’s all over with now and I can focus on the future.”
The Sixers went 18-9 in the 27 games Simmons missed, but they struggled without him in the playoffs, losing to the Brooklyn Nets in the first round. “It was tough watching from the sidelines, especially in the playoffs,” said Ben. “But I’m just happy that I can be back on the court and help my team win.”
Simmons is eligible for a contract extension this offseason, and he said he’s hopeful that something can get done.
“I love Philadelphia and I want to be here,” Simmons said. “I think we have a great young team and I think we can accomplish a lot.”
This is good news for the Sixers, who have relied heavily on Simmons’ playmaking and defensive abilities. He’s one of the best young players in the league, and with him locked up for the next few seasons, they can continue to build around him and try to win an NBA title.
With this issue now resolved, Simmons can focus on getting ready for the 2021-22 season and trying to lead the Sixers to a championship.
