Report: Ben Simmons Requests Out of Philadelphia

From the moment the Sixers were eliminated in the Eastern Conference semifinals, talk began to swirl regarding the team's All-Stars. Following a poor showing in the series, many speculated if Ben Simmons' time in Philadelphia had come to an end.

Throughout the offseason, Daryl Morey openly held trade discussions involving the three-time All-Star. Despite multiple teams showing interest, a deal never surfaced.

Now with training camp just a few short weeks away, rumors began to surface of talks slowing down for the time being. There was even a growing belief around the league that the former number one pick might even start the season as a member of the Sixers.

The latest piece of information regarding this situation has turned everything on its side. Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer has reported that Simmons informed the Sixers brass he no longer wants to be on the team and has no intentions of reporting to training camp.

Simmons openly saying he wants out drastically changes things. For starters, it takes away all leverage Morey had entering discussions with potential trade partners. It also puts a deadline on when a deal needs to get done. The Sixers are a team that feels their window to contend for a title is now. They cannot afford to enter the regular season with this situation hanging over their heads.

Morey has maintained a high asking price in return for Simmons, but that might need to change now. With this new information surfacing, it is unlikely a team puts an All-Star caliber player on the table.

From its early stages, this trade saga has been a tightrope situation. Morey and the Sixers have one chance to get a deal right, and now the margin for error has shrunk even more.

Morey has done the right thing and remained patient until the right deal came along, but that luxury has now passed him by. There is still no telling how this all will end, but things are certainly about to start heating up.