76ers sign Ben Simmons to max five-year extension, agent says

Gabrielle McMillen

76ers sign Ben Simmons to max five-year extension, agent says image

Ben Simmons has agreed to a max deal with the 76ers that will pay him $170 million over five years, his agent Rich Paul told The Athletic Monday.

Simmons, 23, was in the last year of his rookie contract and was slated to make $8.1 million in the 2019-20 season.

It will mark his third season in the league after he missed his entire rookie year due to a foot injury.

Simmons was drafted No. 1 overall by Philadelphia in 2016 and has already become a star, despite his delayed start of his professional career. He won Rookie of the Year in 2017-18 and earned All-Star honors this past season.

Simmons finished last year averaging 16.9 points, 8.8 rebounds and 7.7 assists per game and helped lead Philadelphia to the second round of the Playoffs. But it was eliminated by the Raptors in seven games.

The Sixers' deal with Simmons is one of several big stories surrounding the 76ers this offseason. The team recently locked Tobias Harris up and signed Al Horford to a four-year deal. Joel Embiid also remains with the team, rounding out a talented core.

Gabrielle McMillen