Alright, let’s talk about Ben Simmons. You’ve probably heard his name, maybe seen a meme, or wondered, “Wait, that guy is still in the NBA?” Well, grab your coffee and let’s dive into the biggest question of all: how much money did Ben Simmons actually make in the NBA?
It’s a number that sounds less like a paycheck and more like a small country’s GDP. But don’t worry, we’re not going to throw around boring stats like a finance report. We’re going to talk about it like you’re explaining it to a friend over brunch.
Let’s start with the jaw-dropping total
Ben Simmons has earned over $200 million in his NBA career so far. Yes, you read that right. Two hundred million. With a “B” as in “billion” adjacent.
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To put that in perspective: imagine you found a penny on the ground every single second. It would take you over six years of non-stop penny-finding to get to that amount. And that’s just his salary—not counting endorsement deals from Nike, Beats, and others.
A comparison from your own life
Think about your morning coffee run. If you spend five bucks every day, that’s $1,825 a year. Ben Simmons could buy 109,589 lattes every year and never notice the dent. He could buy a new latte every minute for the next 76 years. That’s a lot of caffeine.
Or imagine you’re saving up for a nice car, say a $50,000 sedan. Ben could buy 4,000 of those cars with his NBA earnings. He could start a dealership named “Simmons Sedans” and still have change for a tank of gas.
But wait—there’s a catch
Here’s where the story gets funny, and a little bit human. Ben Simmons hasn’t exactly been playing a lot lately. He missed an entire season with the Philadelphia 76ers due to a back injury and mental health reasons. Then he was traded to the Brooklyn Nets, where he played a handful of games before more injuries.
This guy got paid $40 million to sit on the bench wearing a hoodie. It’s like getting paid your full annual salary for a year where you binge-watch Netflix and occasionally stretch your hamstring. That’s the dream, right? Well, kind of.
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But here’s the twist: the NBA has rules. Every team has a salary cap, and when Simmons gets paid to sit out, his team loses that money to spend on other players. So his paycheck affects your favorite team’s chances of winning a championship. You care about that, right?
Why you should care (yes, you)
I know, I know. “I’m not a basketball fan. Why does this matter to me?” Because Ben Simmons is the ultimate example of “getting paid for potential.” It’s like when your coworker gets a promotion based on a “great interview” then does nothing for a year. Except your coworker doesn’t earn $200 million.
Simmons was a No. 1 draft pick—the chosen one. He was supposed to be the next LeBron. Instead, he became the king of “what if.” Every time he dribbles the ball, there’s a tiny wager in your head: “Will he shoot? Or pass to someone else?”
His contract makes headlines because it’s entertainment. It’s a reality show where the star is paid like a superhero but acts like a nervous intern. And we all love a good drama, especially when it involves someone else’s money.
The lesson for the rest of us
Here’s the relatable takeaway: life isn’t always fair, but money isn’t everything. Ben Simmons has the cash to buy a private island and a golden toilet, but he also has the pressure of millions of fans shouting, “Do something!”
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Meanwhile, you and I might be worrying about a credit card bill or saving for a vacation. But we also get to sit on our couches, eat popcorn, and judge his jump shot. That’s the secret perk of being an everyday person.
So next time you hear “Ben Simmons made $40 million this year,” don’t feel jealous. Feel amused. Feel like you’re in on a joke that even the richest people can’t escape: money doesn’t buy you a three-pointer.
A quick reality check
For real though, Ben Simmons is a human being. He’s dealt with injuries, mental health struggles, and public humiliation. That’s hard, no matter how many zeros are in your bank account. He’s also given millions to charity and worked with youth programs.
But this article isn’t about pity. It’s about wonder. Wonder at how a guy who’s played fewer games in three years than your local YMCA regular can still be one of the highest-paid athletes on Earth. It’s like finding a lottery ticket in a pair of old jeans: improbable, hilarious, and strangely inspiring.
So, how much did Ben Simmons make? Enough to buy the entire snack aisle at every Walmart in America. Enough to never work a 9-to-5 in his life. Enough that you can tell your friends, “Hey, I’m worth more than my salary… just like Ben Simmons.”
And that, dear reader, is a little slice of NBA magic you can share at dinner. Just don’t forget to pass the salt. And maybe the remote.