Ben Simmons has his sights set on returning to the NBA more than a year after his last game in the league.
The three-time NBA All-Star has two ideal destinations in mind when it comes to his next team.
Ben Simmons Names Free-Agency Destinations As He Plots NBA Return
Simmons is actively working towards an NBA comeback and gave insight into his training regimen in an interview with Men’s Health. Despite being limited by injuries and failing to live up to the immense hype that came with being the No. 1 overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, the 29-year-old is not giving up and hopes to make a spectacular return to the league. However, his immediate focus is to get back to full fitness.
“I plan on getting as strong as I can physically, getting my [expletive] on the court, and then the team realizing that my abilities will be needed,” Simmons said.
While Simmons initially said, “I don’t have a plan on where,” he later mentioned two possible free-agency destinations.
“Maybe I’ll go back to Philly. Miami would be nice,” Simmons said. “And not because it’s Miami; I like Erik Spoelstra, I like the Heat, I like their organization, I like the culture.”
The fact that he mentioned a potential return to the Philadelphia 76ers is shocking. While he became a three-time All-Star and three-time All-Defensive Team selection in Philadelphia, his stint with the 76ers ended with an ugly breakup.
The Miami Heat are also an interesting destination for Simmons, as they are looking to fill out their roster and bolster their backcourt after completing a blockbuster trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Asked about what he has to offer to NBA teams, Simmons pointed to his defensive skills and his ability to help his teammates perform better.
“When I’m out there, I make everybody better. I play defense. I get offensive rebounds,” he said, adding: “You can’t teach 6’10” and IQ.”
Simmons also revealed that he has been talking to NBA coaches, who told him that a roster spot is his once he gets healthy.
It will be interesting to see if Simmons draws interest from NBA teams in the coming months. At just 29 years old, the LSU alum still has time to make a triumphant return to the league. However, after dealing with a barrage of injuries and mental health issues, it will be up to him to prove his doubters wrong and show he can produce at a high level once again.
Simmons’ last stint in the NBA was with the Los Angeles Clippers and Brooklyn Nets during the 2024-25 season, and he averaged 5.0 points, 5.6 assists, and 4.7 rebounds in 22.0 minutes per game. In 24 games as a starter, he increased his averages to 6.9 points, 7.1 assists, and 5.5 rebounds in 26.6 minutes. While his scoring average dipped from his first few years in the NBA (when he averaged 15+ PPG in each of his first three seasons), Simmons proved he can still dish out assists, grab rebounds, and defend at a high level.
