Ben Simmons & 76ers Agree To 5 Year, $170 Million Max Extension
Ben Simmons & 76ers Agree To 5 Year, $170 Million Max Extension
Former NBA rookie of the year, Ben Simmons allegedly hit the jackpot this week as he and the Philadelphia 76ers have reportedly agreed to a 5-year, $170 million deal to extend his tenor with the franchise, according to reports.
The 2016 No. 1 overall draft pick was heading into the final year of his rookie deal and was set to make $8.1 million in 2019-20. In April, Simmons discussed playing Philly.
“I love being here, I love the fans here. I wouldn’t want to be in a place where they didn’t really care or only showed up in the times we were doing well.”
Last season, the 76ers were eliminated by the current NBA champions, the Toronto Raptors in the Eastern Conference Finals. Along with All-Star center Joel Embiid, Simmons holds the key to the foundation of the franchise in Philadelphia coming off a tough loss in the eastern finals. Simmons says he wants to become a go-to player for his team.
“I just want to get better all around, become a better more efficient player, and keep growing as a better player. There’s no one individual spot. I want to work on everything, and continue to let my game grow.”
Simmons has proved to be a game-changing player on the court, winning Rookie of the Year in 2017-18 before earning his first All-Star selection in 2018-19. The NBA All-Star last season averaged 16.9 points, 8.8 rebounds and 7.7 assists per game. The Sixers clearly feel like their window to win is now with extending Simmons contract while going all-in on their current core. With the franchises’ latest deal, the Sixers solidifies their young core, with Embiid, Tobias Harris and newly acquired 5-time NBA All-Star, Al Horford all under contract for at least the next four years.