Ben Simmons’ contract structured for him to receive 50% of his salary before Oct. 1

Per ESPN, Simmons has four years and $147 million left on his max contract — including $33 million for 2021-22 — and clearly understands the potential financial implications of sitting out. The Sixers could test Simmons’ willingness to stay away by fining him considerable salary.

Beyond the league’s collective bargaining agreement, which provides the ability for the Sixers to withhold salary for a player’s failure to provide services, the Sixers have their own set of rules that include fines for missing media day and each missed practice. The final resort for the Sixers could be to suspend Simmons for “failing to render services” once preseason games begin — which could cost Simmons $227,613 for each missed game.

Simmons’ contract is structured for him to receive 50% of his salary before Oct. 1.