Ben Simmons drops bombshell that sends 76ers rumor mill into overdrive

The Philadelphia 76ers have somehow gotten entangled with Ben Simmons as of late, at least in the rumor mill. Just recently, fans noticed that the former All-Star liked a comment under one of his social media posts saying that he would be a great fit with his previous ball club, which sent some people into a frenzy. Now, he seems to be doubling down on that understated stance of his.

Simmons interacted again with another fan who asked him on Instagram if he would be amenable to returning to the 76ers on a veteran’s minimum contract, to which he replied in the affirmative. He answered that he would even be willing to play in Philly for free, making it clear that returning to the NBA is his main objective at this point.

Right now, Simmons is still away from the league, presumably focusing on his rehab. For now, there has been a shortage of tangible updates as to when he will be ready to make his comeback, but it is definitely interesting to see him register some degree of interest in returning to the franchise that drafted him.

Ben Simmons drops another bombshell for the 76ers

Simmons, long removed from being a perennial All-Star, has become one of the most regretful career arcs in the league. He went from a two-way superstar into an undesirable role player, and everything started with his confidence taking a hit while the injury bug slowly consuming him into oblivion.

Last season, he split time in Brooklyn and Los Angeles before seeing his market dry down completely in free agency. A couple of teams considered signing him to a deal, but Simmons’ camp ultimately deemed it best to sit out for now and zoom in on getting his body right.

Admittedly, the thought of Simmons returning to the 76ers is worth more than a mere cursory ponderace. After all, his defensive acuity and playmaking prowess remain intact, and those are two areas, aside from lack of size, that have become pressing issues for this group.

However, realistically speaking, there remains nothing compelling enough for the 76ers to go out of their way to welcome Simmons back. There are still some fragmented linkages that persist up to this day, so signing him again would be a risky proposition, to say the least — and his injury risks have not even been accounted for yet.

Nevertheless, it is good to see the 76ers get some love from a former franchise cornerstone. While there is probably still some bitter taste from both sides’ unceremonious divorce, time heals all wounds, and there could come a time where a reunion becomes much more sensible.

Now, whether that time is now is a question that will be incumbent upon the front office to answer. The ball is now on their court.