Amidst the whirlwind of free agency, the Philadelphia 76ers have reportedly begun discussions with Ben Simmons for a max contract extension.
According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, Simmons' agent Rich Paul of Klutch Sports is in talks with the 76ers for a deal worth $169,550,00, which the Aussie will be eligible to sign on Tuesday (IST).
The 76ers have started discussions with agent Rich Paul on a contract extension for All-Star guard Ben Simmons, league sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 30, 2019
Simmons' rookie scale extension would be the biggest deal ever signed by an Australian athlete.
With the NBA salary cap projected at $117 million for the 2020-21 season, here's how Simmons salary could look over the five years if he signs the max.
| Year | Salary |
| 2020-21 | $29,250,000 |
| 2021-22 | $31,590,000 |
| 2022-23 | $33,930,000 |
| 2024-25 | $36,270,000 |
| 2025-26 | $38,610,000 |
| Total | $169,550,000 |
That number could climb to $203,580,000 over five years if Simmons becomes eligible for a 'Rose Rule' deal for 30 percent of the team's salary cap if he meets certain criteria.
If Simmons wins the Most Valuable Player award, Defensive Player of the Year award, or is named to an All-NBA team next season, the deal will add an extra $34,030,000 to the All-Star's bank account.
Here's how the deal will look if he becomes eligible for such a deal:
| Year | Salary |
| 2020-21 | $35,100,000 |
| 2021-22 | $37,908,000 |
| 2022-23 | $40,716,000 |
| 2023-24 | $43,524,000 |
| 2024-25 | $46,332,000 |
| Total | $203,580,000 |
The 22-year-old is coming off an impressive season with the Philadelphia 76ers, averaging 16.9 points, 8.8 rebounds and 7.7 assists per game, while shooting 56.3 percent from the field, earning the first All-Star selection of his career.
