Philadelphia 76ers Tried Re-signing Ben Simmons after Nets Buyout

In past season. Simmons averaged 5.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.6 assists with the Nets and the Clippers.

Los Angeles Clippers guard Ben Simmons (25) during the third quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center.

Image Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

In a surprising twist during the 2024-25 NBA season, the Philadelphia 76ers tried getting their former All-Star point guard, Ben Simmons, following his February 2025 buyout from the Brooklyn Nets. According to reports by NBA insider Jake Fischer, Simmons’ close relations in Philadelphia led to the 76ers’ interest in getting him back. However, he signed with the Los Angeles Clippers and the possible reunion with his former team never came into existence.

“There had been some overtures, I would say, between Ben Simmons and the Sixers once he was securing a buyout from Brooklyn,” Fischer said, per Bleacher Report. “He still has some friends in the area. I believe his brother was living in Philadelphia for a time, and there was some interest from Philadelphia at that point in time.”

He added, “I can’t say I have any updated information on the Sixers’ interest in Ben Simmons there. And I do think Embiid and Ben have repaired that type of fracturing that went down behind the scenes as well.” Notably, Simmons was once a cornerstone for the 76ers. He made a name for himself with his playmaking and defense skills. Having picked No. 1 overall in the 2016 NBA Draft, he earned Rookie of the Year, won three All-Star nods and made the first-team All-Defense selection twice.

However, one incident led to the end of his career with the 76ers. During Game 7 of the 2021 Eastern Conference semifinals, he went on to pass up an easy dunk against Trae Young. Philadelphia ended up losing the game and solidified that the 29-year-old wouldn’t be a part of the team anymore. He was eventually traded to the Brooklyn Nets, bringing James Harden back.

After spending three years with the Nets, he secured a buyout in February this year. Simmons’ appearance was limited to only 90 games for the Nets over the past three seasons due to his consistent injuries. In the past season, he split time between the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Clippers. Simmons played in 51 games while averaging 5.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.6 assists in 22 minutes per game.

Ben Simmons Rejects Offer from New York Knicks, Considering to Call it a Career

Ben Simmons had an offer from championship contenders New York Knicks. They could offer him a veteran minimum contract, worth over $3 million. However, the three-time NBA All-Star turned it down to remain a free agent. According to NBA journalist, Marc Stein, “The Knicks, league sources said, indeed offered a one-year contract to Ben Simmons that the former All-Star passed on.”

He added, “New York is limited to minimum contract offers as training camps draw near and Simmons entered the summer hopeful of securing a contract above the minimum after he split last season between the Nets and Clippers. Boston and New York, I’m told, expressed the most serious interest in Simmons this summer.”

It all came after Simmons decided to part ways with his agent Bernie Lee. The move sent signals that he wasn’t interested in whatever generated from his agent’s conversations with the Knicks. Media reports further suggest that Simmons is questioning whether he wants to play in the NBA next season. At 29, Simmons is young enough to revive his career. However, with doubts about his motivation and health, it seems that retirement is a realistic option for him.

Garima Ranawat

Garima is a sports writer with around two years of experience in Indian sports and a newfound interest in the NBA. Inspired by the leadership of cricketing legend MS Dhoni, she wishes to bring in newer perspectives to the NBA fanatics with her writing.

Philadelphia 76ers Tried Re-signing Ben Simmons after Nets Buyout

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