Ben Simmons might be the most transparent free agent in the NBA right now.
The former No. 1 overall pick posted several photos of LeBron James’ signature LeBron XXIII “Old Glory” line for Nike to his Instagram Story on Wednesday. That is not exactly a subtle move for a guy who has openly said he wants to reunite with the Philadelphia 76ers, the team that just signed LeBron in free agency.
The 76ersMuse account on X flagged the post first. It spread from there.
Simmons Wants Back to Philly
The Ben Simmons career arc has been one of the strangest in modern NBA history. He was an All-Star talent who fell out with the Philadelphia franchise in 2021 after refusing to play following a first-round playoff meltdown against Atlanta. The Sixers eventually traded him to Brooklyn for James Harden. That trade did not save his career.
Simmons has been openly nostalgic about his Sixers days for a while now. Even before LeBron made his decision to join Philadelphia, Simmons was making public comments about wanting a reunion with the franchise. Now, with LeBron in the fold and the Sixers positioned as a legitimate title contender, the desire has intensified.
Why the Post Actually Makes Sense
Look at the timing. LeBron just signed with Philadelphia. The 76ers now have Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, Paul George, and James in the same jersey. Simmons is a free agent who has struggled to stay healthy but still has the passing, defense, and playmaking that could theoretically thrive in a bench role.
Posting LeBron’s shoes is a wink. It is Simmons saying, “Hey, I am paying attention, and I would love to play with him.” Whether the Sixers reciprocate that interest is a different question.
The Actual Case for Signing Simmons
Here is the argument for Philly bringing back Simmons. He fits the role they need. A backup point guard who can defend, initiate offense in second units, and finish at the rim. He would not be asked to shoot threes or carry offensive load. He would be a cheap, minimum-contract flyer who could play meaningful minutes if he stays healthy.
The concerns are real, too. Simmons has not looked like himself since 2021. His back has been a chronic issue. His confidence at the free-throw line has never recovered. Signing him is a bet, not a lock.
Sixers Are the League’s Most Interesting Team
Philadelphia is going to be the most-watched team in the NBA next season, and every move they make gets amplified. Adding LeBron changes the entire calculus of the league. If they can pair him with Embiid at his healthiest, Maxey in his prime, and George in a lower-usage role, they immediately become the East favorite.
Simmons signing there would add a redemption arc to the whole thing. Some fans would embrace it. Some would never forgive him for how he left. But he is the type of asymmetric bet contending teams take on late in free agency.
Based on how much Simmons is telegraphing his interest, he clearly wants to make it happen. Now it is up to the 76ers to decide if that story ends the way he wants it to.
A longtime sports reporter, Carlos Garcia has written about some of the biggest and most notable athletic events of the last 5 years. He has been credentialed to cover MLS, NBA and MLB games all over the United States. His work has been published on Fox Sports, Bleacher Report, AOL and the Washington Post.
