It almost feels like Ben Simmons' name has been drowned out by the frenzy of Day 1 of free agency. It's no secret that the Philadelphia 76ers have been trying to trade their star point guard, but at this point, it looks like this narrative between Simmons and the Sixers is taking a significant turn.

According to a report, the Sixers might now be inclined to keeping Simmons in Philadelphia. This comes via NBA insider Ramona Shelburne who made her comments on Tuesday's episode of ESPN's The Jump:

“The Sixers are open to bringing him back,” Shelburne said, via Blake Schuster of Bleacher Report. “The Sixers, in a lot of ways, I think they would prefer that.”

Article Continues Below
More Philadelphia 76ers News
Featured image Kelly Oubre Jr
76ers’ Kelly Oubre Jr. makes $8.4 million contract decision ahead of free agencyDylan Fine ·
76ers' Guerschon Yabusele surrounded by money
Ascending Western Conference squad named Guerschon Yabusele suitorAbdullah Imran ·
VJ Edgecombe and Johni Broome on the 76ers court
Philadelphia 76ers 2025 NBA Draft grades for every pickMatty Breisch ·
Philadelphia 76ers forward Justin Edwards (19) shoots the ball against the Toronto Raptors during the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center.
76ers sign breakout bench piece to 3-year contract extensionAbdullah Imran ·
Baylor Bears guard VJ Edgecombe (7) drives to the basket around Texas Tech Red Raiders guard Kevin Overton (1) during the second half at T-Mobile Center.
VJ Edgecombe gets touching gesture from 76ers Daryl MoreyMatty Breisch ·
Philadelphia 76ers center Andre Drummond (5) reacts after his dunk against the Brooklyn Nets during the first quarter at Wells Fargo Center.
Andre Drummond makes $5 million decision for 2025-26 seasonZachary Draves ·

Could this change of heart from the Sixers root from the lack of interest in Simmons from opposing teams? To be clear, there have been a number of squads that have been linked to the 25-year-old, but it looks like Philly's price tag has proven to be too rich for their blood.

The question now is whether or not Simmons himself wants to remain with the Sixers after all that has happened. Would he be willing to return after realizing just how much the team wanted to trade him?

Simmons still has a lot of basketball ahead of him in his career, and he is a bonafide superstar in the league. He's had a rough past few seasons in Philadelphia, though, and at this point, it does feel like a change of scenery is what Ben Simmons needs to resurrect his career.