Rumors circulating in NBA circles question if the Philadelphia 76ers pursued the acquisition of Ben Simmons after the Brooklyn Nets finalized a buyout.
Ben Simmons' Return to the Philadelphia 76ers: A Possible Reunion or an Unlikely Solution?
NBA insider Jake Fischer reported that there have been overtures between Ben Simmons and the Philadelphia 76ers after his buyout from Brooklyn. The news comes as a surprise to many, considering Simmons' departure from the team in 2021 and the issues that arose during his tenure.
The fractured relationship between Simmons and Joel Embiid, the team's young core of guards which includes Paul George and Embiid, and the significant injuries both players have faced in the last few years, have all contributed to the team's struggles. Embiid, for instance, has been out for the majority of the last two seasons, while Simmons was injured for a substantial portion of that time.
Simmons' last appearance in a Philadelphia 76ers uniform was in Game 7 of the 2021 Eastern Conference semifinals, a game the team ultimately lost. In that game, Simmons infamously passed up a dunk opportunity against Trae Young, a decision that sparked controversy and criticism.
Despite the potential for a reunion, Fischer did not have updated information on the 76ers' interest in Simmons. The team has limited depth on their roster and the reunion between Simmons and the 76ers would not likely be a tenable solution to their respective issues.
The 76ers, however, have made moves to strengthen their team in other ways. They drafted VJ Edgecombe in the offseason and acquired James Harden in a trade that sent Simmons to the Brooklyn Nets.
Meanwhile, the NBA world was abuzz with the 2025 NBA championship won by the Oklahoma City Thunder, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander being named the Finals MVP. As the dust settles on that historic win, the possibility of Simmons returning to the 76ers remains a topic of speculation and debate.
One thing is for certain: if Simmons were to return to the 76ers, it would be a significant development for both the player and the team. Only time will tell if this possible reunion will come to fruition and what impact it will have on the 76ers' future.
