With the Philadelphia 76ers having a ton on their plate this offseason coming off a terrible campaign, the front office has no reason to look back on the things that soured for them years ago. They have to move with more desperation this time around, lest they risk giving the team a stagnant footing ahead of the 2025-26 season.
The 76ers have to charge ahead and move with utmost precision, especially this year. After all, they will not be able to enjoy the sheer luxury they had from last year when they boasted the deepest pockets in the association, going through a well-documented largesse which, by nearly every metric, backfired.
As a result, the front office will be pigeonholed into being more prudent as spenders. But while they will have to make do with their financial constraints, Philly still has some options awaiting them once free agency kicks off.
Ben Simmons joining the Celtics would be a big slap to the 76ers
The 76ers brass needs to maximize the slew of potential candidates for the veteran’s minimum in order to fill out the roster. And looking at the list, there are definitely some intriguing names that could be on their radar.
A notable name expected to land a much more modest paycheck this year is former 76ers star Ben Simmons. While Philadelphia has not given any indications of wanting to reunite with their previous stalwart, he is currently being hoisted as a possible free agency target for a key rival — the Boston Celtics.
Still only 28, Simmons still has some desirable offerings despite his bothersome, inherent woes. Boston is starting to realize that its roster is way too expensive to maintain, and there could be some streamlining on the horizon for the defending champs sooner than later.
Simmons, who is basically a near-guarantee to leave the Clippers after being a relative no-show in the playoffs, could definitely be a plausible addition to the Celtics. After all, Boston will benefit from his defensive utility and playmaking, especially as a nominal center.
If so, the sight of Simmons in Boston will definitely irk a lot of 76ers fans. It could perhaps evoke some dormant feelings of bitterness, although at this point, can anyone really blame the fans from Philly for being susceptible to quick triggers?
Jocular points aside, Simmons is still a talented, albeit heavily flawed, player. And if he ever recovers a semblance of his old self in Boston, should he indeed land there, the Philadelphia 76ers can only grow frustrated, or at best, look at a hugely wasted opportunity.