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Fansided

76ers making right call already discussing contract extension with Ben Simmons

By Dan Parzych

TORONTO, ON - MAY 07: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers dribbles the ball during Game Five of the second round of the 2019 NBA Playoffs against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on May 7, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - MAY 07: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers dribbles the ball during Game Five of the second round of the 2019 NBA Playoffs against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on May 7, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /
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With free agency in full swing, it appears the Philadelphia 76ers are already discussing a potential contract extension with All-Star guard Ben Simmons.

At the moment, most of the attention surrounding the Philadelphia 76ers in free agency has been on seeing what will happen with Jimmy Butler and Tobias Harris, but it looks like Ben Simmons is getting in on the action as well.

Despite coming off his first All-Star appearance this past season, there has been some frustration surrounding Simmons, and whether he’s the right answer for the Sixers in the long run, mainly because of his poor shooting skills.

But also, the Philadelphia fans frustrated with Simmons need to look at the overall impact by the star guard, because he makes up for the scoring in other areas.

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Looking back at the last two seasons, and how the Sixers have been able to emerge as a serious contender in the Eastern Conference, there’s no way any of this happens without Simmons part of the picture.

So while some fans expressed frustration on Sunday night with the announcement that Philadelphia was focusing on a contract extension for Simmons instead of addressing other areas, deep down this is a great move.

First off, it’s safe to assume that some of the fans who were frustrated over the Sixers focusing on Simmons to kick off free agency feel much better knowing that Harris ended up agreeing to a five-year, $180 million deal.

As for Simmons, Philadelphia knew all along that it would only be a matter of time before the team would need to address his contract situation sooner rather than later, especially if it will save a little money in the long run.

Technically, the argument can be made that Philadelphia would be better off waiting a little longer since Simmons is still under contract for two more years, but addressing this now will also give the team one less thing to worry about.

Certain fans can say whatever they want about Simmons as a player, but keep in mind this is a 22-year-old star who hasn’t even hit his true potential level in the NBA, and is only going to get better with experience.

In other words, the Sixers deserve credit for realizing the importance of keeping Simmons happy for the long run, and here’s to hoping these negotiations work out for the best with both parties to keep Philadelphia a top contender in the Eastern Conference for years to come.