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Bizarre twist in Ben Simmons World Cup snub

Ben Simmons has announced he will withdraw from the FIBA World Cup but will play in the exhibition games against the USA and Canada.

Simmons recently signed a five-year contract extension worth $US170 million ($A242 million).

76ers general manager Elton Brand said signing Simmons through to the 2024-25 NBA season is a key move in the team's pursuit of an NBA championship.

But on Wednesday, following the extension, Simmons released a statement saying he would travel to Australia but not to China for the FIBA World Cup.

“I wanted to let everyone know that after consulting with my representation, I’ve made the difficult decision to forego playing in the World Cup in China this summer,” he said.

“I will still be heading back home to Australia to host my camps as well as train and play with the Boomers in the upcoming Exhibition Games.

“I’m really excited about the talent we have on the Boomers squad, especially moving closer to 2020 where I will be honored and humbled to represent my country on the world’s biggest sporting stage at the Olympics in Tokyo.”

Ben Simmons won't be playing in the FIBA World Cup. (Getty Images)
Ben Simmons won't be playing in the FIBA World Cup. (Getty Images)

Simmons will play against Canada in Perth on August 16 and 17, before taking on the USA on August 22 and 24.

76ers going all in with Simmons

The 76ers are going all-in for the title next season with Simmons' new deal, coupled with contracts for All-Star big men Al Horford and Joel Embiid and forward Tobias Harris, totalling a combined $US580 million ($A827 million).

"It was a priority for our organisation that we finalise a contract extension with Ben this summer," Brand said.

"He was Rookie of the Year in his first season, an All-Star in his second and we expect him to grow and succeed for seasons to come.

"Ben positively impacts the game in so many ways and we look forward to continuing our championship pursuits with him as one of our leaders."

The contract does not give Simmons an option to leave the team in the fifth year, but if the 76ers trade him he will pocket a 15 per cent "trade kicker", according to ESPN.