[Wojnarowski] there is a provision in the collective bargaining agreement that protects players' salary for failing to render services "if such failure has been caused by the player's mental disability."

​

All-Star Philadelphia 76ers guard Ben Simmons plans to meet with medical professionals for an evaluation after telling the team Friday that he wasn't mentally ready to play to his expectations and needed time to step away, sources told ESPN.

Simmons met separately with coach Doc Rivers, medical staff and teammates Friday morning at the team's facility in Camden, New Jersey, and started a process that is expected to continue to keep him from making his season debut, sources said.

After he told the team's medical staff of his reasons for needing to seek help, the Sixers continued to offer Simmons whatever resources are necessary to assist him, sources said.

The Sixers have been fining Simmons for missing games, practices and meetings -- nearing $2 million this season -- but there is a provision in the collective bargaining agreement that protects players' salary for failing to render services "if such failure has been caused by the player's mental disability."

Simmons, 25, requested a trade four months ago and has told the team that he has no interest in returning to play for the franchise again. The Sixers have been unable to find a trade that meets their threshold for a return package that includes a high-level All-Star player and have wanted Simmons on the floor to honor his contract. Simmons has four years and $147 million left on his five-year maximum deal.

Full Source: https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/32452090/ben-simmons-tells-philadelphia-76ers-not-mentally-ready-play-sources-say