The message coming from the camp of Ben Simmons has been that he would be ready to play after a few weeks of intensified conditioning and court action, according to reporting from Sam Amick of The Athletic.

Amick also reports that the length and size of Simmons' contract, worth $108.8 million after this season through 24-25, is seen by some executives as more of a demerit than a benefit of trading for him. The Philadelphia 76ers have operated under the premise that the team control is a positive attribute that will be conveyed to the team trading for him.

But there are concerns whether Simmons can be trusted to play like the best version of himself. Simmons has struggled with confidence issues, which is perceived by some as separate from the mental health struggles he has cited in remaining on the sidelines during this period of limbo with the 76ers. 

Simmons last played in an NBA game on June 20, 2021.