All-Star guard Ben Simmons stands to get a five-year super-max extension from his current team, the Philadelphia 76ers, according to reports. When finalized, the deal will start in time for Season 2020-21 of the NBA.
Securing Simmons is part of the Sixers effort to build up a team that will soon win more games en route to possible NBA titles in the immediate future. Prior to the deal offer, Philadelphia re-signed Tobias Harris and added Al Horford to the team lineup, highlighting its intention to become a strong contender as early as the next season.
Simmons and the Sixers front office are currently negotiating the details of agreement, which according to The Associated Press report published by Yahoo Sports, will see the former Rookie of the Year's annual salary getting a significant boost. From the $8.1 million he made in the past season, Simmons will collect $29.3 million starting in 2020.
By 2024, his paycheck will balloon to $39 million, the AP report added, citing an unnamed source privy to the details of the ongoing deal discussions.
The bet by Sixers on Simmons seems understandable, according to the New York Post, adding that with the guard on the team for the long-haul "the Sixers have a starting five on par with any in the Eastern Conference."
"In just two NBA seasons, Simmons already has an All-Star nod to his name and averaged 16.9 points, 8.8 rebounds and 7.7 assists last year. Should he continue to develop, the 22-year old figures to be a superstar for the duration of the extension," added the report in explaining the sound investment made by Philadelphia.
NBC Sports said Simmons earning a super-max early in his career is nothing to be surprised about. The report described the All-Star as young and talented so "the max deal is the right move for the Sixers."
In games that mattered such as against the Warriors and the Raptors, the rising Sixers guard "proved his mettle." He is tough and versatile at the same time, and there are qualities that only add up to Simmons' premium.
There is one reservation though - Simmons perimeter shots aren't something to be proud of. "His lack of a jump shot is an issue and will continue to be until he can hit enough to force defenses to respect it," NBC stated on its report.
The Sixers fans can only hope that Simmons will devote more time and effort on this area in order to improve on his weak shooting percentage in the last two seasons.
