Ben Simmons might potentially end up with his former team … but not without some necessary prerequisites.
Rumors flooded social media this week about the Philadelphia 76ers appearing to be interested in a reunion with their ex-star forward Simmons. The source of the rumors seems to have been a little-known basketball outlet in Spain claiming that the 76ers were considering giving a one-year veteran’s minimum contract to Simmons.
On Tuesday though, Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints provided an update on the rumors. Siegel reports that the 76ers cannot currently sign Simmons to a minimum deal as they are just $1.8 million below their first apron hard cap.
As a result, Philadelphia would need to free up some extra room first. However, Siegel says that there is currently “no talk” of the 76ers getting rid of anyone on their current roster.
Now 30 years old, Simmons was originally the No. 1 pick by Philadelphia in 2016 and went on to earn three All-Star selections, two All-Defensive nods, and one All-NBA honor during his six years there. While Simmons seemed to have burned his bridge with the 76ers with his ugly trade request and holdout saga in 2022, he did say in a recent interview that he was now open to a return (after going unsigned during the 2025-26 season).
Philadelphia does have an open roster spot left and could foreseeably use another ball-handler and defender after the addition of LeBron James in free agency. But since a veteran’s minimum contract would be worth roughly $3.5 million for Simmons (who has nine total years of NBA service), some unexpected roster reshuffling may need to take place first.
