A handful of Philadelphia 76ers fans are rooting for Ben Simmons to get out of town ASAP.
Now, they seem to be one step closer to getting their wish, as the All-Star “guard” recently purchased a brand-new mansion in Los Angeles — almost 3,000 miles away from Philly.
According to Dirt, the 24-year old closed on a swanky modern farmhouse in the gated Hidden Hills neighborhood for $17.5 million. The 12,000 square-foot mansion was built this year and sits on a 1.5-acre property. It features seven bedrooms, eight bathrooms, two swimming pools, and a guest house. And check out that ultra-modern kitchen.
No sign of a court or gym where Simmons can work on his jump shot.
The Hidden Hills community in the San Fernando Valley is where multiple members of the Kardashian family reside — including Simmons' ex-girlfriend, Kendall Jenner, who currently dates Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker. Celebrities like Drake, Lil Wayne, Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union, and Los Angeles Rams QB Matthew Stafford are known to have homes in the area, too.
Simmons' real estate acquisition will generate buzz about the Los Angeles Lakers as a potential trade destination for the Aussie. The Lakers are searching for a third star to pair with LeBron James and Anthony Davis, and Simmons' depleted value following his disastrous second-round playoff series along with his representation (Rich Paul of Klutch Sports) has fueled speculation that Simmons could try and swing a trade to L.A.
On the other hand, the Lakers need to prioritize their shooting and spacing this summer — which GM Rob Pelinka acknowledged at exit interviews. Obviously, Simmons won't help in that regard.
Ben Simmons just completed the first season of a five-year, $177.2 million contract. The three-time All-Star averaged 14.3 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 6.9 assists per game and made First Team All-Defense in 2020-21, though he failed to attempt a single field goal in the final four fourth quarters of the Sixers' seven-game loss to the Atlanta Hawks in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
Understandably, Simmons was spotted even farther from Philly in recent days, as he was seen dining out with his rumored girlfriend, British celebrity Maya Jama, in London.