Three non-Ben Simmons 76ers storylines for 2021-22 NBA season: Joel Embiid's health, Andre Drummond's role

Also, the development of young guys like Tyrese Maxey and Matisse Thybulle will be crucial for Philly

The Philadelphia 76ers had the best record in the Eastern Conference last season, but they were ultimately upset by the Atlanta Hawks in the second round of the playoffs. After the way their campaign ended, all the talk about the Sixers heading into the 2021-22 season should be about how the team can improve and take another step forward. That isn't the case, though. Instead, virtually all of the conversation surrounding the Sixers is about Ben Simmons and his future in Philadelphia. 

Simmons has requested a trade away from the Sixers and made it clear that he doesn't plan to play for Philadelphia again. However, the Sixers remain resolute in their stance that they won't trade Simmons unless such a move benefits the team, which is built to win now around last season's MVP runner-up Joel Embiid. In the meantime, the Sixers want Simmons to re-join his teammates in Philadelphia, and the team has already started to withhold his pay. Moving forward, Simmons will lose out on over $200,000 for every game he misses. 

The two sides remain locked in a standoff with the start of the season rapidly approaching. Ultimately, it could come down to how much money Simmons is willing to forfeit. If he's OK with losing out on a huge chunk of cash that he would otherwise be entitled to, then perhaps his absence could stretch the entirety of the season, or at least until the Sixers find a trade package they like. Meanwhile, Simmons's absence adds a level of intrigue to the Sixers season. In addition to wondering where, and when, he might be moved -- and what the Sixers might get in return -- it's also fair to wonder just how much of a distraction the situation will be for a team with championship aspirations.