Ben Simmons Shocking Admission: Would He Really Play for the Sixers—For FREE?! You Won't Believe Why!

The 2025 offseason has come and gone, and former NBA star Ben Simmons still finds himself without a team. However, recent social media activity suggests he may have a clear destination in mind: a return to the Philadelphia 76ers. This idea gained traction after Simmons liked an Instagram comment indicating he'd be a good fit for the team. His interest became even more evident when he stated that he would play for the Sixers “for free,” while hinting at ongoing health concerns.

In a recent exchange on social media, a user posed a question about Simmons returning to the Sixers, potentially in a center or power forward role on a minimum contract. Simmons responded, “It ain’t about the $; 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 getting the body to 100% before putting my health on the line again… like I have been the past few years.”

At 29 years old, Simmons's career has seen its share of ups and downs. His trajectory took a downturn last year after being released by the Brooklyn Nets and struggling during a brief stint with the Los Angeles Clippers. Simmons was once celebrated as the first overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, known for his exceptional passing, rebounding, and defensive skills, even earning NBA All-Defense honors. However, his career became complicated following a messy exit from Philadelphia, where he faced nearly $20 million in fines due to a holdout during training camp and subsequent grievances.

After the Sixers traded him to Brooklyn, Simmons underwent surgery for a herniated disc in his back, which significantly impacted his performance. Prior to the surgery, he was criticized for his inability to shoot outside the paint, but his defensive prowess still kept him relevant. In recent seasons, however, his overall contributions to the game have diminished, with statistics showing a stark decline in his performance metrics.

While the concept of a healthy Simmons returning on a league-minimum contract may intrigue some teams, the reality remains that he must first regain full health. Despite the 76ers' current depth issues, it appears unlikely they would welcome Simmons back into the fold, given their shared history and the complications that arose during his previous tenure with the franchise.

As Simmons attempts to navigate this challenging chapter in his career, fans and analysts alike are left to ponder the possibility of his return to Philadelphia. With his talent and experience, a revitalized Simmons could still contribute meaningfully to an NBA team. However, the path to recovery and reinstatement in the league remains fraught with uncertainty.