The 2025-26 NBA season is in full swing, but the man once expected to carry the torch after LeBron James, Ben Simmons, still doesn't have a team.
But the 29-year-old has provided an update on Instagram in response to a fan, hinting that he is still pushing for a return.
Simmons last suited up for the Los Angeles Clippers earlier this year, but after the team was bounced from the first round of the playoffs by the Denver Nuggets, the former number one overall pick did not re-sign with the team.
He has since been tight-lipped on the future of his career, but has been sharing updates on Instagram, showing himself enjoying his time back in Australia.
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Earlier this week, Simmons shared another photo dump on Instagram, prompting a fan to comment and ask, "If [the] Sixers asked you back to play center / pf (powe forward) would you come back on minimum contract[?]"
In response, Simmons set the record straight, confirming money wasn't the issue, but that he was more focussed on getting his body right.
"It aint about the $, id hoop there for free," Simmons wrote.
"Its deeper then what they make y'all believe which is why I keep it pushing. Rn (right now) the focus is gettin the body to 100% before putting my health on the line again... Like I have been the past few years."
Simmons has made over $300 million (AUD) in his career to date, but has had his career deeply impacted by injury.
He did not play his rookie season due to an injury, and in the 2021-22 season was also ruled out entirely due to a back injury.
Since that season he has only played 108 out of a possible 246 regular season games.