The ugly breakup behind him? Simmons is flirting with Philadelphia again
The Australian posted a picture of LeBron shoes and brought his name back into the conversation surrounding the Sixers, after having already stated that he would consider returning. However, salary cap restrictions make the move difficult.
Ben Simmons, one of the most criticized players in the NBA in recent years, has managed to spark interest again. The Australian posted a mysterious story that brought back into the conversation the possibility that he might return to the very club he left on a sour note.
Simmons uploaded a picture to his Instagram account of several pairs of Nike shoes, one of which was LeBron James' signature model. Alongside the picture, he added an emoji he used to use frequently during his days with the Sixers, a move many fans interpreted as a possible hint at a comeback.
Simmons himself admitted in the summer that he does not rule out a return:
"I intend to get as strong as I can physically, get back on the court, and then make the team realize that my abilities are needed. I don't have a plan for where... maybe I'll return to Philadelphia," he said in an interview with Men's Health.
This possibility is considered particularly surprising given the way his first tenure in the city ended. Simmons was selected first in the 2016 draft, became a three-time All-Star, and was considered one of the club's players of the future, but the collapse in the 2021 playoffs against Atlanta changed the picture.
After the elimination, Simmons faced harsh criticism, the relationship between him and the Sixers deteriorated, and he was absent for months. In February 2022, he was traded to Brooklyn as part of a major trade, and since then he has struggled to replicate the ability he showed at the beginning of his career.
Recurring injuries, physical limitations, and a sharp decline in his status turned him from one of the most intriguing players in the league into a player looking for another opportunity to prove that he still has something to offer.
Even in the United States, there are those who would like to see him return to the place where it all began. Former player Jeff Teague said on his podcast:
"I would like him to return to Philadelphia. They need to make it happen."
According to reports, the Sixers have already checked the possibility of adding Simmons, but as of now, there is a financial problem. Philadelphia is less than two million dollars below the first apron of the salary cap, while the Australian is eligible for a veteran minimum contract worth about 3.8 million dollars.
At this stage, there is no agreement between the parties, and it is also unclear how serious Philadelphia's desire is. However, Simmons' story, his words from the summer, and the calls to bring him back were enough to reignite the discussion.
