76ers considering Ben Simmons reunion: “One-year veteran minimum deal”
The Philadelphia 76ers are reportedly exploring a reunion with Ben Simmons on a one-year veteran minimum contract – an idea that would have seemed unthinkable just a few months ago
If someone had suggested Ben Simmons returning to the Philadelphia 76ers just a year ago, they probably would have been considered crazy. Yet, according to the latest reports out of the United States, what once seemed like a permanently closed door may be opening again.
After an already transformative offseason that brought in LeBron James, Jaylen Brown and Anfernee Simons, Philadelphia is reportedly considering one final move to round out its roster: bringing Simmons back on a one-year veteran minimum contract.
76ers considering a Ben Simmons return
The report comes from insider Diego Jimenez, who says the franchise is seriously evaluating the possibility.
Ben Simmons could be the subject of one of the most surprising reunions of the NBA offseason. The 76ers are considering offering him a one-year veteran minimum contract to fill the final roster spot. A few months ago it would have seemed unimaginable, but the arrival of LeBron James, the team’s lack of frontcourt depth and Simmons’ desire to return to the NBA have completely changed the situation
Diego Jimenez
The report is particularly surprising given the history between the two sides.
A far-from-friendly split
Ben Simmons’ final chapter in Philadelphia ended on the worst possible terms. Following the disastrous conclusion of the 2021 NBA Playoffs, the Australian guard fell out with the organization, stopped participating in team activities and effectively forced a trade.
Since then, his career has never returned to its All-Star level. In his most recent season, 2024-25, he averaged just 2.9 points, 3.8 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game – numbers far removed from those that once made him one of the league’s brightest young stars.
After spending an entire season away from the court, however, Simmons is reportedly determined to make an NBA comeback.
A low-risk gamble for Philadelphia
From the 76ers’ perspective, there would be very little downside to the move.
On a veteran minimum contract, Simmons would represent the definition of a low-risk, high-reward signing. If he can rediscover even a fraction of the player he was during his early NBA years, Philadelphia would add a versatile defender, an excellent playmaker and an athletic contributor capable of energizing the second unit.
At this point, expecting to see the very best version of Ben Simmons again may seem unrealistic. But that’s exactly what makes the gamble worthwhile: if he can regain even part of his former form, the 76ers could land a highly valuable contributor at virtually no cost.