Free agent Ben Simmons is now focused on making his return to the league after sitting out last season to prioritize his rehabilitation. Several NBA teams have reportedly shown interest in the former No. 1 pick, prompting strong reactions from fans.
Simmons last appeared in the league during the 2024-25 season, splitting time between the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Clippers.
Ben Simmons’ Potential NBA Return Sparks Widespread Reactions
However, a coach who recently worked with Simmons revealed that the former All-Star has regained the athleticism that once made him such a dynamic player.
Recently, Simmons traveled to Melbourne to participate in a player-led minicamp with the Australian Men’s National Team and is actively demonstrating his improved fitness while pursuing his goal of representing Australia at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Meanwhile, Marc J. Spears of Andscape reported that Simmons is expected to participate fully with “zero restrictions” in a player-led Australian men’s national team minicamp in Melbourne beginning Monday.
READ MORE: ‘I Wouldn’t Change the Story’ – Ben Simmons Shares Ambitious Message Amid NBA Comeback Rumors
Later in a thread, Spears reported that multiple NBA teams have expressed interest in the 30-year-old free agent, with at least one Western Conference team offering him an invitation to attend its training camp.
“Sources: Several NBA teams have expressed interest to Simmons’ camp, including one West squad that offered a training camp invite,” Spears wrote. “He is also open to signing a vet minimum contract. Simmons has dreams of playing for Australia during the 2028 LA Olympics. Attending mini-camp aids hope.”
Sources: Several NBA teams have expressed interest to Simmons’ camp, including one West squad that offered a training camp invite. He is also open to signing a vet minimum contract. Simmons has dreams of playing for Australia during 2028 LA Olympics. Attending mini-camp aids hope
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) August 10, 2026
Meanwhile, during a recent interview with Men’s Health, Simmons highlighted his ideal landing spots.
“Maybe I’ll go back to Philly. Miami would be nice. And not because it’s Miami — I like Erik Spoelstra, I like the Heat, I like their organization, I like the culture.”
While reports have linked Simmons to the 76ers for their final roster spot, salary-cap experts note that Philadelphia is approximately $1.8 million below the first-apron.
Following Spears’ latest report, many connected Simmons with a possible return to the 76ers.
“He knows where to go,” an observer wrote.
He knows where to go 😂🔥 pic.twitter.com/Ga9Ir3XeYT
— Bakers Report (@BakersReporxtz) August 10, 2026
“He can fill that roster spot in Philly,” a comment read.
However, Damien Peters highlighted the complications surrounding a potential Simmons reunion with his former team, particularly from both a basketball and roster-management perspective.
“Simmons is unlikely to return to the Sixers specifically both from a basketball and, more importantly, a roster logistical standpoint (given the current number of players on the roster, etc.),” Peters reported.
“It was understood there would be certain complexities in his return. I also confirmed that he has no guaranteed deals on offer. He will need to prove what level he’s at and earn a deal. Hence the training camp invite.’
Meanwhile, several fans also remained skeptical about the reported level of interest Simmons has generated around the NBA.
“[expletive] say ‘Multiple NBA teams’, another comment read.
“Forgot to put ‘g-league’ in between NBA and teams,” a user remarked
“The interested teams: Wizards, Grizzlies, Pelicans,” another commented.
Simmons was one of the NBA’s most unique two-way players during his time in Philadelphia, winning Rookie of the Year and earning three All-Star selections.
However, injuries compounded his struggles in the NBA. In his last season with the 76ers, he averaged 14.3 points (2020-21), which dropped to 2.9 points in his 18-game stint with the Clippers (2024-25).
