Former NBA star Ben Simmons hasn’t ruled out a return to the Philadelphia 76ers. During free agency, Simmons was an unrestricted free agent. While there were reports that teams were interested in signing him, none of it materialized. The 2025-26 NBA season started with the Australian star player not signed to any team.
He’s got plenty of time now that he isn’t tied to a contract. Based on his social media activity, he spends most of his time in Australia, where he goes fishing. Fans love to interact with Simmons and often ask him about potential moves in his NBA career. On Sunday, the former LSU star posted photos on his Instagram account, and a fan asked if he’s willing to return to Philly and play under a minimum contract.
Simmons engaged with the fan, and his answer was surprising.
According to Ben Simmons, he’d return to the 76ers even if he won’t get paid. He also explained his deep connection to the city and how he’s been working on being in shape.
“it aint about the $, id hoop there for free. Its deeper then what they make y’all believe which is why i keep it pushing 🤐 rn the focus is gettin the body to 100% before putting my health on the line again… like i have been the past few years,” Simmons commented.
Simmons played four seasons with the 76ers before he was traded to the Brooklyn Nets. During his time in Philly, he was a three-time All-Star, a two-time All-Defensive and a one-time All-NBA. He averaged 15.9 points, 8.1 rebounds and 7.7 assists with the East team.
Ben Simmons’ former head coach doesn’t think his career is over
When Ben Simmons entered the NBA, there was a lot of hype around him. That changed when his career started going downhill. Fans and experts predicted that his career in basketball is over. However, his former head coach and basketball icon Steve Nash thinks otherwise.
During an interview with Sunday Herald Sun in October, Nash spoke highly of the 6-foot-9 star. The former Phoenix Suns star pointed out how Simmons’ back injury has affected him over the past few seasons.
“I’m sure he doesn’t want it to end (here). I don’t think it’s over. He’s an incredible talent. I know his back injury had an impact on him, so it’s tough to see him go,’’ Nash said. “Maybe he’ll get a team … the hope is he finds a chance.’’
Simmons is 29 years old and can still recover from the back injuries that he’s suffered. That could change the course of his career and allow him to end his basketball life in good terms.
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Reign also writes NBA and WNBA news updates on Sportskeeda. He started as a feature writer for AirAlamo, an NBA website that covers the San Antonio Spurs. Some of his work can also be seen on Valley of the Suns, a Phoenix Suns-centric website, where he served as a contributing writer.
