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Fansided

76ers won’t regret offering Ben Simmons maximum contract extension

By Dan Parzych

PHILADELPHIA, PA - MAY 05: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts against the Toronto Raptors in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Semifinals at the Wells Fargo Center on May 5, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Raptors defeated the 76ers 101-96. 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 Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - MAY 05: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts against the Toronto Raptors in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Semifinals at the Wells Fargo Center on May 5, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Raptors defeated the 76ers 101-96. 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 Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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According to a report, the Philadelphia 76ers have offered Ben Simmons the maximum contract extension, which seems like the right move.

While free agency was in full swing Sunday night, one of the more surprising stories was how the Philadelphia 76ers were discussing a potential contract extension with Ben Simmons.

Basketball fans can say whatever they want about Simmons since his struggles as a shooter have left many wondering if the former No. 1 pick is even the right answer for the Sixers, but at least he makes up for it in other areas.

Without Simmons, there’s no way that Philadelphia would have been as strong of a contender in the Eastern Conference over the last two seasons, and it’s scary to think how he seems to be only scratching the surface of his true potential.

So with all of this in mind, should Sixers fans be expecting a new deal involving Simmmons sooner rather than later?

Well, based off one of the latest reports from ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, it appears that Philadelphia has already made the offer to their star ball handler.

Paying all of that money for a player who struggles to shoot the basketball may seem questionable for a team like the Sixers, but also as mentioned before, Simmons certainly makes up for it in other areas.

From his skills as a defender to ability to find open teammates to shoot the basketball, Simmons still brings a ton to the table despite the shooting struggles, and could be in for a career year during the 2019-20 season.

As difficult as it was to lose both J.J. Redick and Jimmy Butler in free agency, the new potential starting lineup for the Sixers next season with Al Horford and Josh Richardson now part of the picture should cause all sorts of problems for opponents.

Even more exciting, assuming that everything goes well between Simmons and Philadelphia working out the final details of this contract, the Sixers are going to continue being built as strong contenders in the Eastern Conference for years to come.

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And if Simmons somehow finds a way to improve as a shooter moving forward, just think how more dangerous this Philadelphia squad has the potential to be when it comes to being a top contender in the conference.