"So Much Left in the Tank": Rich Paul Says Ben Simmons Can Become a $30 Million Player Again if He Does One Thing

It’s been an entire season since Ben Simmons last stepped onto an NBA court. His most recent appearance came on April 29, 2025, when the LA Clippers faced the Denver Nuggets in the first round of the playoffs. By the end of that stint, Simmons’ market value had dropped significantly, to the point where many teams no longer viewed him as a worthwhile option. But LeBron James' agent, Rich Paul, believes that can change.

There are two main reasons why Simmons’ value has declined. The first is his lengthy injury history. The second is the lack of confidence he’s shown on the court, often hesitating to shoot and playing passively on offense. Despite that, Paul still believes Simmons has the potential to rebuild his value in the NBA.

"I remember having a conversation, me and Ben talking," Paul said on the Game Over podcast. "I said, ‘Ben, you got so much left in the tank, bro. If you just become a pick and roll five at the end of games, because your playmaking ability makes you a different rolling big.'"

"We see so many rolling bigs with low IQ," Paul added. "(Ben Simmons) actually has a high IQ. We know he was first-team All-Defense. If you just become that, where you're rolling down the lane, dunk, man rotates over, kick to the (outside) … if you just become that, you're a $30 million player."

Simmons was selected No. 1 in the 2016 Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers, which goes on to show that the talent was always there. He did show flashes of that, becoming a three-time All-Star and a two-time All-Defensive team member. But injuries to his back, mental exhaustion, and a complete lack of confidence in the later years completely derailed his career.

Simmons reportedly rejoined Klutch Sports Group under Rich Paul’s guidance in late 2025. The Australian forward had previously been represented by the agency before parting ways with it in 2023. Now back with Klutch, Paul’s goal is to help revive Simmons’ NBA career.

Ben Simmons Looking Forward to Potential NBA Comeback

Ben Simmons recently expressed interest in making an NBA comeback. Particularly, he's eyeing either his former team, the Philadelphia 76ers, or the Miami Heat.

“I plan on getting as strong as I can physically, getting my a** on the court, and then the team realizing that my abilities will be needed,” Simmons said in a recent interview with Men's Health.

“I don’t have a plan on where. Maybe I’ll go back to Philly. 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 previously struggled with chronic back injuries and mental health issues, both of which affected his performance on the court. During the 2024-25 season, he started 24 games for the Nets, averaging 6.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 6.9 assists per game. The Nets later bought out his contract, after which he signed with the Clippers. In 18 games off the bench, he averaged just 2.9 points per game.

In contrast, during the 2018-19 season, when he earned his first All-Star selection, he averaged 16.9 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 7.7 assists per game. It’s a significant drop-off, and Simmons, realizing that, stepped away from the 2025-26 season altogether.

Making a comeback and earning the trust of top teams may be difficult from here on. But if he can rediscover that spark and stay healthy, Simmons could still carve out a respectable NBA career to look back on.