Ben Simmons remained unsigned and sat out the entire 2025-26 NBA season after his previous contract expired. Recent reports linked him to a potential reunion with his former team, the Philadelphia 76ers.
Weighing in on the speculation, one former champion is endorsing the move.
Jeff Teague Drops Honest Verdict on Ben Simmons’ Potential 76ers Return
Despite spending a full year away from the league, Simmons made it clear he has no intention of walking away from basketball. In an interview with Men’s Health, he revealed that retirement is not on his mind and that he is fully focused on making an NBA comeback.
While discussing possible destinations for his return, Simmons even hinted at the possibility of rejoining his former franchise, saying, “Maybe I’ll go back to Philly.”
Meanwhile, reports surfaced claiming Philadelphia is considering bringing Simmons back on a one-year minimum contract to fill its final roster spot. While no prominent NBA insider has confirmed the report, the speculation has already sparked discussion about a potential return to the franchise where Simmons began his career.
During the latest episode of the 520 Podcast, Jeff Teague addressed the rumors surrounding Simmons and openly backed the idea of the 76ers giving the former All-Star another opportunity.
“Y’all think Philly will accept him?” Teague said. “I lowkey want him to go back to the Sixers now. They lowkey needed to make that happen, though Rich can make that happen…”
Jeff Teague on the rumors of Ben Simmons being 76ers last roster spot:
“Y’all think Philly will accept him back? I lowkey want him to go back to the Sixers now. They lowkey need to make that happen, if Rich can make that happen because what you did for Gary Trent is nothing.”… pic.twitter.com/Vdfsgjwkz1
— NBA Courtside (@NBA__Courtside) August 4, 2026
Simmons entered the NBA as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft after being selected by the 76ers. He quickly lived up to the expectations by winning the Rookie of the Year award before establishing himself as one of the league’s brightest young stars.
During his time in Philadelphia, Simmons earned three All-Star selections before eventually being traded to the Brooklyn Nets.
However, NBA insider Brett Siegel quickly cast doubt on the feasibility of the reported reunion, pointing to Philadelphia’s salary cap situation as a significant obstacle.
“The 76ers are only $1.8 million below their first-apron hard cap,” Siegel reported. “There’s been no talk of them getting rid of anyone on their current roster, and therefore [they] can’t sign Simmons or someone else to a minimum.”
Simmons’ career trajectory began to decline with recurring injuries robbing him of his elite athleticism.
Losing his explosiveness, combined with ongoing durability concerns, significantly affected his overall production. During the 2024-25 season, Simmons averaged 5.0 points, 5.6 assists, and 4.7 rebounds across 51 games.
While salary cap restrictions currently stand in the way, Teague’s public support and Simmons’ own desire to make a comeback make the reunion rumors unlikely to fizzle out anytime soon.
