Ben Simmons Stuns Everyone: “I’d Go Back to the Sixers Even for Free”
Months without a team, the former Nets guard makes a surprising claim: Ben Simmons reopens the door to the Sixers – but his words say more about his current state than about the franchise’s actual intentions
Ben Simmons keeps making headlines even without wearing an NBA jersey. After yet another offseason spent watching others sign deals, the former No. 1 overall pick decided to send a very clear message… to the team with whom things ended in the worst possible way: the Philadelphia 76ers.
At 29, Simmons is completely idle. The Nets moved on from him, the Clippers gave him minutes without getting virtually anything in return, and no franchise has found it reasonable to give him a roster spot.
Yet a simple Instagram “like” sparked the debate: Simmons reacted to a comment suggesting a possible return to Philly. It could’ve been just an absent-minded click… but then he confirmed everything himself by responding to a fan:
It’s not about the money – I’d play there for free. It’s deeper than what they tell you. I just need to get back to 100% before risking my health again.
Ben Simmons
A strong – and in some ways surprising – statement.
Back issues and a heavy past
Let’s be honest: anyone who still thinks Simmons is the same player he was a few years ago is fooling themselves. His physical condition is no longer a minor detail: first sciatica, then back surgery for a herniated disc… his body hasn’t given him a break.
And his numbers last season with the Clippers make that painfully clear:
- 5.0 points
- 4.7 rebounds
- 5.6 assists
- 0.7 steals
- 22 minutes per game
Those aren’t All-Star numbers – not even solid starter numbers. And here’s the point people often ignore: Simmons hasn’t just declined physically; he’s also stuck in the narrative of what he could have been. Elite defense, top-tier playmaking, versatility – all true. But today? What matters is proof, not memories.
Simmons says he’d go back “even for free.” Nice sentiment. But the real question is: why would the Sixers want him?
On one hand, it could be a low-risk gamble: a minimum contract, some extra depth, and a player who – if he truly regained his health – might still contribute.
On the other hand… let’s not forget how it ended. Arguments, $20 million in fines, refusal to play, a forced trade. Not exactly the kind of storyline a franchise is eager to revisit.
And realistically, looking at the situation coldly, a Philly return feels far more like his own fantasy than an actual possibility.
The real point: Simmons is trying to start over
Beyond the “I’d play there for free” line, the message is clear: Simmons wants back in. He knows his reputation has collapsed, and he’s trying to find a way to rebuild himself. But before anyone talks about a reunion, he has to prove he can be a reliable athlete again. Saying “I want to get back to 100%” is easy – actually getting there is a completely different story.
And until that happens, every scenario – Sixers included – remains nothing more than speculation.