It is the scenario Ben Simmons was dreading and many NBA fans didn't expect - the point guard staying put with Philadelphia.
Melbourne born Simmons, 25, who skipped Australia's Olympic campaign in Tokyo to party with a bevvy of models, was widely tipped to move to a rival franchise in the US this season - and isn't said to be short of options.
The likes of Cleveland, Minnesota, Golden State, Toronto, Houston, Washington, Sacramento, Portland and San Antonio are all believed to be monitoring the situation with the 76ers closely - but it now appears Simmons will again call the Quaker City home from October 20 onwards.
According to The Athletic, Simmons' agent Rich Paul is working tirelessly to get his client to remain on the books of Philly.
Simmons is also expected to reach out to his coach Doc Rivers in the coming days, in what is sure to be an awkward conversation.
Ben Simmons' talent on court is obvious - his desire to leave the 76ers has enraged many fans and teammates
The Melbourne born point guard lives a luxury away from the court, which gets under the skin of many former players
Philly fans have also turned against the Simmons, with this fan sporting a t-shirt declaring he was missing in action
The recent stand-off has proven to be expensive for the son of Aussie NBL legend David Simmons, who is already $490,000 out of pocket after missing the 76ers' pre-season loss to Toronto.
Simmons has four years remaining on his current contract with Philly, said to be worth a staggering $202 million.
He has not been in contact with club officials since late August, when he formally requested a trade.
If Simmons does stay with the 76ers, he will also need to mend the considerable rift with his teammates, notably superstar Joel Embiid.
A three-time NBA All-Star, Simmons has impressive averages of 15.9 points, 8.1 rebounds and 7.7 assists per game over his four NBA seasons.
In last season's Eastern Conference semi-finals against the Hawks, Simmons passed on a wide-open dunk late in the deciding Game 7. The 76ers ended up losing to end their season.
The fallout was severe, with NBA royalty Shaquille O'Neal and Charles Barkley questioning his degree of talent.
'Ben Simmons, you're not that good,'
