It doesn't take a genius head coach or extraordinary roster creation to construct an efficient post-season offense around a rim protecting five, who provides vertical spacing and can shoot (a little) outside of floater range. The same cannot be said for a perimeter player. If Simmons could play the five on defense, ala Draymond, and was willing to shoot just a little, he would have been traded by now because he would fit on a ton of rosters, just not Philly's.
Holding him hostage? Asking a guy with 4 years left on his deal to show up and be a professional, while you look for a deal that makes sense for both sides is now unconscionable? The beginning of camp is the worst possible time to trade anyone.
If you think Simmons' is following a script written by Rich Paul here, then you think Paul is an idiot. The outright refusal to participate in a drill and the phone in the pocket are stupid tactical mistakes. There are far more effective, and less damaging ways, to put pressure on Philly to get a deal done sooner rather than later.
He hasn't been traded because the asking price is too high. That's the only reason. If he kills someone or beats his wife, teams may change their opinion. A cellphone? Nope.
Seems like half of you don't know how the NBA works or are in denial because you hate it.