Ben Simmons‘ near-$170MM extension with the Sixers may sound like an exorbitant amount for the 22-year-old, but Derek Bodner of The Athletic argue that the deal could turn into a bargain.
Simmons’ 2020/21 salary (estimated to start at $29.25MM) currently places him 30th among his NBA peers that season. Surely other players will sign top-end deals next summer, dropping him lower in the rankings.
The point guard still needs to further develop his jumper to become great, Bodner cautions. However, Simmons has all the tools to easily become a top-10 talent for the Sixers and should that happen, he would be severely underpaid.
Here’s more from the Eastern Conference:
- If J.R. Smith signs with another team, the Cavaliers will recoup the $500K they agreed to give him for extending his guaranteed date via setoff, ESPN Bobby Marks notes on Twitter. Cleveland waived Smith on Monday.
- The Cavaliers didn’t play Collin Sexton in Summer League because the point guard didn’t have much to gain from the experience, Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com explains. The level of competition in Las Vegas and Utah isn’t very high and it was much more prudent to allow Sexton to join the team in those locations but not risk injury during live action.
- The Cavaliers are fans of Jaron Blossomgame, who played for their Summer League team, Fedor relays in the same piece. Blossomgame spent time with the club under a two-way deal in 2018/19 and is a candidate for a roster spot this upcoming season.
peers*
Maybe Chris meant *tiers. Simmons being in the 30th tier.
Maybe he meant pears or possibly pairs.
Americas Got Talent is running now. Maybe Piers Morgan.
argue that the deal could turn into a bargain.
Ben Simmons is no bargain, he sucks!
And the Sixers are insane for thinking otherwise!
SMH
Lol
Every team would give him the max
Totally agree! He has been a top 20 player in his 2 seasons in the league, his pay isn’t a top 30… Simple maths tell you he is been severely underpaid for his talents, that is a fact! Take that haters!
Every star rookie is severely underpaid under their rookie contracts. Has nothing to do with justifying a max contract. Me personally, I think he needs to prove he’s progressing towards developing an outside jumper or 3pt shot. Something that forces the defense to pay attention to him 15 ft out.