NBA Rumors: How the Ben Simmons situation affects the Miami Heat

MIAMI, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 03: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers in action against the Miami Heat during the first half at American Airlines Arena on February 03, 2020 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 03: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers in action against the Miami Heat during the first half at American Airlines Arena on February 03, 2020 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
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Miami Heat
Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers yells out to his team as Ben Simmons #25 looks on against the Miami Heat (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

It’s official – Ben Simmons will not play another game with the Philadelphia 76ers. Miami Heat fans may not care about this, but they definitely should.

According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, Simmons has informed the 76ers that he will not play another game there and will not report to training camp. He has not spoken with the team since the end of August.

Simmons has made it clear that he has no intentions of remaining in Philadelphia, yet the 76erts haven’t found a trade offer they like just yet. This could lead to an absolute mess of a situation.

So, why should Miami Heat fans care about the Ben Simmons situation? Well, it could affect their chances in more ways than one, depending on how things play out.

Why the Ben Simmons situation affects the Miami Heat: The Philadelphia 76ers will probably get worse

This situation could actually be a good thing for the Miami Heat. If everything goes poorly for Philadelphia, Miami could see their playoff chances increase.

The 76ers are a top team in the East, but they may not be after Simmons is gone. Since they likely won’t get a great return for him, this is a lose-lose situation for the Sixers.

On the flip side, this should be music to Miami Heat fans’ ears. If the 76ers get worse, it improves the Heat’s chances of securing a higher seed in the Eastern Conference.

Fans should be keeping a close eye on the Simmons situation. It could have big-time implications on how the Eastern Conference plays out this season.