The Latest Breaking News from Ben Simmons

PHILADELPHIA — Doc Rivers knew he had something special in rookie guard Tyrese Maxey. He just didn’t know how special, but he knew he didn’t want to lose Maxey in a trade.

Green said his former teammate “does not like to play in Philly.”

Should he really do this?

PHILADELPHIA — It wasn’t mental health. And it wasn’t mean words. At least, not totally.

The Sixers’ center said the last time he spoke to him was well before the trade deadline.

CLEVELAND — Ben Simmons got his wish when the 76ers traded him to the Brooklyn Nets on Feb. 10. Yet his decision not to play for the Sixers until he was moved despite being in the second year of a $177 million contract extension remains a hot topic.

Star players have earned their power and their autonomy. Still, their choices can have severe consequences for teams and fans.

PHILADELPHIA — He coiled his trim and wiry 57-year-old body, then uncoiled in a baseball swing. His right hand described the arc of an imaginary dinger.

PHILADELPHIA — The long local nightmare is over. James Harden has arrived. Ben Simmons has left. And if you’ve paid any attention to social media and the currents and eddies of public discussion about the 76ers-Nets trade that shook the NBA last week, you know that, once more, a Philadelphia-related…