76ers reportedly considering one-year minimum deal to bring back Simmons! Could serve as Embiid's backup, with LeBron as the key to the signing

On August 4th Beijing time, per NBA reporter Diego Rubio, Ben Simmons is poised to become the central figure in the most surprising return narrative of the NBA offseason. The Philadelphia 76ers are mulling a one-year minimum deal for the Australian player to fill the last spot on their roster. Only months ago, this move was utterly beyond imagination. However, LeBron James's arrival, the team's lack of frontcourt depth, and Simmons' own eagerness to return to the league have completely reshaped the situation.

The guard missed the entire previous season due to injury recovery. He recently confessed, "I might return to Philadelphia." This statement, along with multiple reports indicating the 76ers are the most likely destination, has intensified speculation that he will once again suit up for the team that developed him into a three-time All-Star.

LeBron could be the key to this signing

A major catalyst for Simmons' potential return is that LeBron has joined Philadelphia.

The two have been close friends for years and share the same agent, Rich Paul. Rich Paul is the founder of Klutch Sports Group, which also represents Tyrese Maxey. Paul's influence can help drive negotiations and provide Simmons with a suitable environment to revive a career that once seemed completely stalled.

Furthermore, LeBron has always appreciated the talent of the Australian player. He believes that as long as Simmons is willing to accept a role vastly different from his prime, he can still be a highly effective player.

76ers desperately need a backup center for Embiid

From a competitive perspective, this addition also makes sense.

The biggest weakness in Nick Nurse's roster is the interior. Beyond Embiid, Philadelphia has Bona and newly signed Hukporti, but no one can consistently provide relief for the MVP.

That is precisely where Simmons' value lies.

Although he has spent most of his career as a point guard, in recent months the idea of converting him into a playmaking forward has gained momentum, taking advantage of his size, basketball IQ, and passing ability.

Rich Paul recently stated that this position change could put him back among the league's elite players.

"If he is willing to transition into a pick-and-roll center, constantly setting screens, rolling to the rim, and using his court vision, he can absolutely regain his value and perform at a $30 million-per-year level," the agent said.

A low-risk, high-potential gamble

For Philadelphia, this signing has almost no drawbacks.

A minimum contract won't impact the team's salary cap but would bring in a player who, if healthy, possesses skills that are extremely rare in the league market.

Simmons remains a versatile defender capable of switching across multiple positions, with outstanding passing skills and high basketball IQ. His issue has never been a lack of understanding of the game, but rather injuries and a lack of confidence on offense.

This team features scoring threats like James, Brown, Maxey, and Embiid, so they don't need Simmons to constantly attack the basket. His role will be much simpler: defend, rebound, facilitate, and provide energy off the bench.

Simmons himself is determined to return to the NBA

The Australian player has made no secret of his intentions.

He has spent the past year rehabbing his body. He revealed that multiple NBA coaches told him, "As long as you get healthy, there will be a spot for you in the league."

His goal is to return to the court at his best and prove that he can still contribute to a team.

"I'm going to get my body into the best shape, get back on the court, and show some team that my skills are still useful," he said recently.

Besides mentioning Philadelphia, Simmons has also expressed admiration for the Miami Heat's culture and Erik Spoelstra's coaching philosophy. However, all indications currently point to the 76ers as his most likely landing spot.

A fresh start for both parties

This return also carries deep emotional significance.

Simmons entered Philadelphia as the No. 1 overall pick, and for years he was regarded as the franchise player to lead the team forward. But the controversial exit in the 2021 playoffs became a turning point in their relationship, leading to a complete fracture with fans and management.

Five years later, things have changed dramatically.

The 76ers no longer need Simmons as their primary star; they just want a rotation player to strengthen frontcourt depth and allow Embiid to rest during the regular season. For Simmons, this is a prime opportunity to restore his reputation where his career began.

The deal has not been finalized yet, but the favorable conditions for a signing are steadily increasing. Philadelphia lacks interior depth, Simmons wants a fresh start, and LeBron can act as a bridge between the two sides. What seemed like a fantasy a few years ago is now gradually materializing into a low-risk, high-upside acquisition for this championship contender.