Report: Nets, Simmons meet to discuss plan for return

Ben Simmons and Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul met Monday with Brooklyn Nets leadership to discuss the three-time All-Star's return to play, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reports.

Simmons was previously on track to make his Nets debut in Game 4 of the team's first-round series against the Boston Celtics on Monday, but Brooklyn ruled him out Sunday after he arrived at practice with a sore back.

It was made apparent during Monday's meeting that Simmons still needs to clear mental and physical hurdles before he can play, sources tell Wojnarowski. The Australian is still recovering from a herniated disc in his lower back.

Simmons isn't ruling out a return later in the series - provided the Nets avoid elimination with a Game 4 victory - and he's still committed to suiting up for the team eventually, Wojnarowski notes. The team also reportedly made it clear it will continue providing both short- and long-term resources to help Simmons get back on the court.

The 25-year-old is owed $114 million over the final three seasons of his contract. Simmons is also currently in a grievance battle with his former team, the Philadelphia 76ers, for over $20 million in withheld salary after he sat out earlier this season.

Simmons joined the Nets at the trade deadline along with Andre Drummond and Seth Curry in a blockbuster deal that sent former MVP James Harden to Philadelphia. Simmons hasn't played in an NBA contest since Game 7 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Atlanta Hawks last postseason.