Simmons refuses to train

NBA pre-season training starts in a week, but Ben Simmons remains determined not to report to Philadelphia 76ers camp amid a messy trade standoff.

Simmons’ future remains in limbo after telling 76ers officials he wants a trade and has no desire to attend training despite having four years left on his deal.

Philadelphia is open to trading the Australian star, but is yet to find a worthwhile trade package for the three-time AllStar, given his shooting form has regressed to a record low.

As a result, the 76ers are standing firm and trying to convince Simmons to attend training until they can secure an appropriate trade.

It comes as reports emerged about the Houston Rockets being “seriously interested” in acquiring the Australian before the start of training camp.

All-Star guard John Wall has requested a trade from the Rockets and Simmons has been floated as a potential replacement.

Houston was planning to have its squad settled in time for camp, meaning any trade for Simmons, with Wall going the other way, would need to happen in the next week.

Wall makes more than $60m per season, meaning the Sixers would also need to throw in another player such as Simmons’ fellow Aussie, Matisse Thybulle.