Report: 76ers want to keep Simmons as central piece of team

The Philadelphia 76ers are committed to keeping Ben Simmons as a central piece of the franchise, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reports.

Simmons' agent, Rich Paul, and the organization began discussing the All-Star's future during a meeting at the pre-draft combine. Paul and the 76ers don't believe a trade request is the right move at this time, but the sides are expected to continue speaking prior to the NBA draft and free agency.

Teams at the pre-draft combine have gauged the 76ers' interest in making a trade, although Philadelphia is determined to work with Simmons to improve his offense before breaking him and Joel Embiid up, according to Wojnarowski.

Simmons has met with 76ers head coach Doc Rivers to formulate a plan to improve his shooting, Wojnarowski adds.

The Australian struggled mightily at the charity stripe throughout the playoffs, connecting on just 34.2% of his free throws. He also failed to assert himself offensively late in games during the conference semifinals against the Atlanta Hawks, attempting three total field goals in the fourth quarter.

Simmons, who has four years and $147 million remaining on his contract, still has significant trade value despite his postseason struggles, sources told Wojnarowski.