Simmons' agent meets club, price 'steeper'

All-Star guard Simmons has not played all season after demanding a trade during the offseason, with the 76ers (23-16) holding firm that any deal shipping Simmons out of Philly must bring an equal calibre player in return.

With the NBA trade deadline one month away, ESPN reports that the 76ers' basketball operations president Daryl Morey and general manager Elton Brand huddled with Simmons' agent Rich Paul.

Sources told ESPN the meeting took place at a Philadelphia restaurant and Morey informed Paul any trade must improve the 76ers.

The 25-year-old Simmons still has no interest in returning to the team, ESPN reported, and he is being fined heavily during an absence he said involves mental health.

"If you talk to some teams who have continued to be engaged with the Sixers on Ben Simmons over the months they will tell you that Philly's asking price has even got steeper," said ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

"There would be a thought that as they get closer to the deadline they start to come back down to earth about what they are asking for.

"That has not been the case so I think it is showing Philly remains determined to get a difference-maker back for him."

Simmons' agent Paul, the CEO of Klutch Sports, sat courtside as the 76ers were beaten 109-98 at home on Wednesday night, ending the sixers' seven game winning streak.

He likely heard one fan shout, "Yo, Rich Paul, get Ben Simmons out of Philly!"

Coach Doc Rivers addressed the upcoming draft deadline before the game.

"We have the Ben thing," Rivers said. "I'm sure there will be some crazy rumors. There's not a lot I can do about that. But there may be more than usual. If that's the case, then you have to deal with it. You have to deal with it, I guess."

Rivers said Simmons continues to visit the Sixers' training facility in New Jersey.

"Hopefully we'll have an answer, sooner or later."

Australian Associated Press