On the Liberty Ballers podcast, "The Gastroenteritis Blues," Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report said that the Sixers have scarcely been in touch with Ben Simmons all summer.

"They haven't really been able to get in touch with Ben since the season ended," Fischer said. "There was an intent to have a workout plan or whatever, like in any offseason, and that's always been the case -- that the Sixers haven't really been able to align with the development plan.

"It just doesn't sound like there's ever been movement to come together on the same page on that, and it hasn't really worked this summer, either."

Per @JakeLFischer on today’s @GastroBluesPod, the Sixers have been unable to get in touch with Ben Simmons this offseason. https://t.co/35ptpoy1jl pic.twitter.com/ijKxlc8TJS

— The Gastroenteritis Blues (@GastroBluesPod) July 26, 2021

Simmons averaged 14.2 points, 7.2 rebounds and 6.9 assists per game with the Sixers in the regular season, but floundered during the playoffs, leading to widespread rumors of Philadelphia making him available for trade.

According to Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer, a Simmons trade appears "inevitable" at this point, but that the Sixers could wait until closer to the start of next season to better determine their needs and understand what's available from other teams.