Could Ben Simmons really return to the franchise where his NBA career unravelled? Former NBA champion Jeff Teague wants to see it happen, urging Philadelphia to consider an extraordinary reunion with the Australian.
Simmons has publicly discussed returning to basketball after sitting out the entire 2025-26 season, but there is currently no verified report from an established NBA insider confirming that the 76ers are negotiating with him.
Teague Wants Simmons Back In Philadelphia
Speaking on the Club 520 podcast, Teague threw his support behind Simmons returning to the team that selected him with the first overall pick in 2016.
“Y’all think Philly will accept him back?” Teague said.
“I low-key want him to go back to the Sixers now. They low-key need to make that happen, if Rich can make that happen.”
Teague was referring to influential NBA agent Rich Paul, who recently argued that Simmons could rebuild his value by embracing a different on-court role.
However, Paul is not currently known to represent Simmons. The pair ended their seven-year professional relationship in 2023 when Simmons and Klutch Sports mutually agreed to separate.
Simmons subsequently hired Bernie Lee, but Lee reportedly stopped representing him in September 2025 after discussions surrounding a potential move to the New York Knicks broke down.
Teague’s remarks should therefore be viewed as public support for a reunion rather than evidence that Paul is attempting to negotiate one.
Is Philadelphia Actually Interested In Simmons?
Reports have circulated claiming Philadelphia may consider offering Simmons a one-year minimum contract to fill its final roster position.
However, the speculation originated from Spanish outlet Blog de Basket and has not been corroborated by a leading NBA reporter or confirmed by the 76ers.
One subsequent report from ClutchPoints also challenged the suggestion that Philadelphia was actively pursuing Simmons.
That distinction is important. Teague has called for the move and Simmons has opened the door to returning, but there is no firm evidence that the 76ers have decided to bring him back.
Any potential agreement would also depend on Philadelphia’s available roster space and salary-cap position.
Simmons Opens Door To 76ers Reunion
Simmons revealed his comeback ambitions during an interview with Men’s Health, saying he intends to rebuild his body before attempting to secure another NBA opportunity.
“I plan on getting as strong as I can physically, getting my ass on the court, and then the team realising that my abilities will be needed,” Simmons said.
“I don’t have a plan on where. Maybe I’ll go back to Philly.”
The three-time All-Star also named Miami as an appealing destination because of his respect for head coach Erik Spoelstra and the Heat’s culture.
Simmons last played in the NBA for the Los Angeles Clippers during the 2024-25 season. He made 51 combined regular-season appearances for Brooklyn and Los Angeles that campaign before stepping away from the league.
The 30-year-old explained that persistent nerve pain and multiple back operations contributed to his decision to take an extended break.
What Simmons Could Still Offer
At his best, Simmons was one of the NBA’s most versatile defenders and playmakers.
The Melbourne-born guard averaged 15.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, 7.7 assists and 1.7 steals across 275 regular-season games for Philadelphia. He earned three consecutive All-Star selections and was named to the NBA’s All-Defensive First Team twice.
Simmons also won Rookie of the Year in 2018 and finished second in Defensive Player of the Year voting in 2021.
His production has fallen dramatically since leaving Philadelphia. Injuries restricted him to 108 regular-season appearances across his final three active campaigns, while his unwillingness to shoot from outside continues to complicate his fit within modern NBA offences.
Paul recently suggested Simmons could revive his career by operating as a playmaking centre. That role would allow him to use his passing, size and defensive versatility without demanding that he become a reliable perimeter shooter.
Could Philadelphia Accept Simmons Back?
A reunion would require both Simmons and Philadelphia to move beyond an acrimonious ending.
Simmons requested a trade following the 76ers’ 2021 playoff defeat to Atlanta and did not play during the following season. Philadelphia eventually traded him to Brooklyn in February 2022 as part of the deal that brought James Harden to the 76ers.
His return would generate enormous attention, but the basketball decision would likely come down to his health, willingness to accept a limited role and readiness to sign for a minimum-level salary.
Teague wants Philadelphia to make the move. Simmons appears willing to listen. Until the 76ers show genuine interest, however, a reunion remains speculation rather than an impending deal.
