Simmons on 76ers return: “It ain’t about the money, I’d hoop there for free”
The former No. 1 pick admitted he would play “for free” if given the chance to return to the team he called home.
Ben Simmons may be without a team, but he has made clear he remains open to returning to the franchise that drafted him. On Tuesday, when asked if he would rejoin Philadelphia 76ers even on a minimal contract, Simmons wrote on Instagram: “It ain’t about the $, I’d hoop there for free.”
Simmons’ words raised eyebrows but also underlined that pain of his career that has taken a huge downturn. After being released by the Brooklyn Nets and a largely unproductive stint with the Los Angeles Clippers, no team has committed to bringing him aboard this season.
Though he once had value thanks to his court vision, defensive versatility and ability to impact games without scoring much, what really undid him was a combination of injuries and a shooting‑less offence.
Ben Simmons says he’s willing to play for the Sixers for free
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) December 2, 2025
(h/t @jmoreno76ers ) pic.twitter.com/8lLdV7mG4T
“It’s deeper then what they make y’all believe"
He underwent back surgery for a herniated disc after the complicated and messy trade from Philadelphia, which worsened his availability and performance; his most recent numbers subsequently - and understandably - plunged across almost every category.
Still, Simmons claims he isn’t done, suggesting that money is not the issue, but rather the quest to get healthy and prove he still belongs. “Its deeper then what they make y’all believe which is why i keep it pushing”, he wrote, adding that right now “the focus is gettin the body to 100% before putting my health on the line again… like i have been the past few years.“
His departure from the Sixers was a particularly tough time. A lengthy feud over holdout and appearances saw him left of training camp and preseason and went on to be fined nearly $20 million, an issue which resulted in a grievance and settlement after the team withheld his salary.
As much as he’d like to return, it is not a stretch to say that such a tough divorce would make any return near-impossible, even for a player as useful as Simmons.
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