Ben Simmons’ NBA career has been one of the strangest in recent memory. The Australian made three All-Star appearances in his career, but currently finds himself without a team. Simmons is a free agent who is willing to return to his former team, the Philadelphia 76ers, for free.
NBA players get paid millions of dollars to play a game; it’s a dream job. However, maximizing a career at the highest level is not as easy as some make it look. Simmons has learned this the hard way, but it’s seemingly no longer about the money for the 29-year-old.
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“It ain’t about the money,” Simmons said in a reply to a fan on Instagram. “I’d hoop there for free. It’s deeper than what they make y’all believe, which is why I keep it pushing right now. The focus is on getting the body to 100% before putting my health on the line again… like I have been the past few years.”
Apr 5, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Ben Simmons (25) looks on during the first half against the Dallas Mavericks at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
Simmons last played for the Los Angeles Clippers, averaging just 2.9 points and 3.1 assists per game. His decline has been rapid, and free might actually be close to his current value. Having made around $200 million from contracts the Sixers gave him, perhaps he does owe them a season for free.
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