Could Ben Simmons return to 76ers on minimum contract?

Ben Simmons returning to Philadelphia?

Yes, that rumor is apparently making the rounds.

Spanish basketball outlet Blog de Basket reported that the 76ers are considering Simmons for their final roster spot on a one-year, minimum-salary contract.

The report cited sources close to the organization, though no established NBA insider has corroborated the claim.

So consider this interesting speculation, not an impending transaction.

Still, there are reasons the idea isn’t completely ridiculous.

Simmons and LeBron James are both represented by Rich Paul and Klutch Sports. Simmons originally worked with Paul through the early years of his career and his max extension before they separated in March 2023.

He later reunited with Klutch after agent Bernie Lee parted ways with him in September 2025, reportedly following Simmons’ lack of interest in an offer from the Knicks.

Philadelphia could also use another player capable of defending multiple positions, rebounding and creating for others behind Joel Embiid.

The key would be Simmons accepting an entirely different role.

The Sixers wouldn’t need the former No. 1 overall pick to serve as their primary ballhandler or become the player who made three All-Star teams in Philadelphia.

With James, Embiid, Jaylen Brown and Tyrese Maxey supplying the offense, Simmons would be asked to screen, defend, pass and perhaps operate as a small-ball center.

At the minimum salary, the financial risk would be minimal.

Everything else would be complicated.

Simmons didn’t play last season while dealing with continued physical issues. His first tenure in Philadelphia also ended badly after the 2021 playoffs, eventually resulting in a trade to the Nets.

Time can heal plenty. So can lowered expectations.

A reunion would give Simmons an opportunity to restart his career where it began. It would give the Sixers a low-cost gamble on a player who once possessed a rare combination of size, defense and playmaking.

But until a more established source confirms Philadelphia’s interest, that’s all this is.

A rumor with just enough logic to keep an eye on.