Ben Simmons plotting NBA comeback, eyes Miami Heat as landing spot

A former NBA All-Star and No. 1 overall pick has declared himself a pending free agent, and perhaps unexpectedly so.

Ben Simmons is planning to attempt an NBA comeback this offseason and he's already targeted the Miami Heat as a potential destination, he told Men's Health in an interview published on Monday, June 29, ahead of the start to the NBA's free agency period.

Simmons, who turns 30 years old next month, didn't play in the NBA this past season and instead pursued a career in professional fishing. He last played for the Los Angeles Clippers, appearing in 18 games after the Brooklyn Nets bought out his contract during the 2024-25 season. Simmons became a co-owner and angler for Sport Fishing Championship's South Florida Sails in December 2025.

“I plan on getting as strong as I can physically, getting my (butt) on the court, and then the team realizing that my abilities will be needed,” Simmons said in regards to a potential return to the NBA. “I don’t have a plan on where.”

“Maybe I’ll go back to Philly,” he added. “Miami would be nice. And not because it’s Miami – I like Erik Spoelstra, I like the Heat, I like their organization, I like the culture.”

Simmons, the No. 1 pick by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2016, was once one of the top defensive players in the league, with point-forward capabilities that offset his inability to shoot from the outside on offense. Persistent injury problems eventually limited his long-term effectiveness.

The 6-foot-11 Australian appeared in more than 50 games just once over his five most recent NBA seasons, and missed the entire 2021-22 campaign due to an extended holdout and back injury with the 76ers.

Ben Simmons fishing career

Simmons began pursuing a professional fishing career while not playing in the NBA during the 2025-26 season, according to reports. He became a co-owner and angler for the South Florida Sails of the Sport Fishing Championship in December 2025.

The team won the Blue Marlin Open at Walker's Cay in the Bahamas in May with Simmons participating. PGA Tour golfer Scottie Scheffler also owns a team on the sportfishing circuit.

“Who would’ve thought we’d be on ESPN for some fishing?” Simmons told Men's Health.

Ben Simmons contract

Simmons noted in the interview that he's an unrestricted free agent and coaches have told him there's a spot in the NBA for him if he's healthy. The five-year maximum contract extension he signed with the 76ers was set to expire after the 2024-25 season, prior to Simmons agreeing to a buyout with the Brooklyn Nets.

Ben Simmons stats

Simmons has career averages of 13.1 points, 7.4 rebounds and 7.2 assists on 55.8% shooting. He averaged 5 points, 5.6 assists and 4.7 rebounds per game with the Nets and Clippers during the 2024-25 season.