NBA Free Agent Ben Simmons Makes Shocking 76ers Claim

By Justin Grasso

Contributing Sports Writer

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Ben Simmons remains a free agent. The former Philadelphia 76ers star has gone unsigned since wrapping up his run with the Los Angeles Clippers last season.

Although Simmons remained mostly silent throughout his free agency over the offseason, he’s been active on Instagram lately, dropping multiple photo dumps.

When Simmons came across a comment from an NBA fan inquiring about the potential of the former No. 1 pick re-joining the Sixers for a second stint, Simmons made a shocking claim.

“It ain’t about the [money],” Simmons said, when asked if he would return to the Sixers on a minimum deal. “I’d hoop there for free.”

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Simmons started his career with the Sixers and found plenty of success in Philly early on, but he left on a bad note. Following the second round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs, Simmons demanded a trade. When he didn’t get it right away, plenty of drama ensued.

Simmons wouldn’t play for the Sixers throughout the 2021-2022 NBA season. At the trade deadline, the Sixers ended up making a deal with the Brooklyn Nets. Simmons landed in Brooklyn, while the Sixers acquired a package headlined by James Harden.

For the outsiders looking in, it seemed Simmons and the Sixers had hard feelings towards each other. One couldn’t imagine they would be open to reuniting in the future. Years later, Simmons tells the basketball world he would be open to it.

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“It’s deeper than what they make y’all believe, which is why I keep it pushing,” he added. “[Right now], the focus is getting the body to one hundred percent before putting my health on the line again like I have been the past few years."

Throughout his Brooklyn and Los Angeles tenures, Simmons struggled to stay healthy, dealing with notable back and knee injuries. As a result, he has struggled to live up to his All-Star days when he was a member of the Sixers.

It’s unclear if the Sixers would be open to bringing Simmons back in a backup role behind Tyrese Maxey. As Philly’s starting point guard for four seasons, Simmons posted averages of 15.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.7 assists. He was a three-time All-Star and one of the top defenders in the game.

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