The Philadelphia 76ers have had the biggest summer of any team in the league, and it's come at the expense of the Golden State Warriors who did have trade talks over Jaylen Brown and were hotly pursuing LeBron James.
Not only did the 76ers acquire both those players, but they also have an edge over the Warriors when it comes to a third big name, with Ben Simmons already declaring his interest in reuniting with a team he adamantly wanted out of just five years ago.
76ers already have edge over Warriors when it comes to Ben Simmons
There's no reported interest from Golden State or Philadelphia in the former number one overall pick, rather there's multiple (but no specific) teams monitoring Simmons' progress as he eyes a return. ESPN's Marc J. Spears reported last week that one Western Conference team has already offered a training camp contract.
If the 76ers want to reunite with Simmons in another high-profile free agency move, they're in prime position to do so considering the Australian recently told Men's Health "maybe I'll go back to Philly" while also mentioning the Miami Heat as another team he'd have interest in playing for.
Simmons sensationally wanted out of Philadelphia after a meltdown during the 2021 playoffs, eventually getting his way the following February as part of a trade to the Brooklyn Nets for James Harden.
After just 108 games in the past five years, Simmons is focusing on a return and is clearly open to a return the 76ers despite the previous animosity. Part of the reasoning may be through his connection with the recently acquired James and star point guard Tyrese Maxey, all three of who share the same agent in Rich Paul.
Warriors may still have more interest in Ben Simmons than 76ers
While Simmons may have interest in a return to Philadelphia, that's not to say the franchise will reciprocate, particularly when they'd have to make a trade and move a current player, or waive the non-guaranteed contract or Jabari Walker, just to make enough room for a player who isn't guaranteed of returning to being a legitimate rotation player.
Golden State, meanwhile, do have two available roster spots and two minimum contracts to hand out, while potentially setting up a training camp battle that may involve another former 76ers player in Dalen Terry.
It also feels like the Warriors need Simmons' ball-handling far more than what the 76ers do, suggesting there's still a chance the three-time All-Star winds up in the Bay with the hope of finding his footing in the league once again.
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