The case for Ben Simmons making an unprecedented NBA power play

There is scuttlebutt in certain corners of the NBA that Ben Simmons could make an unprecedented move when he begins negotiating his first contract extension next year.

Some have speculated that the Philadelphia 76ers star is no guarantee to sign a max rookie extension.

Only the 76ers could offer Simmons a max contract, which would be worth roughly $260 million over five years.

Basketball writer for Deadspin, John Wilmes, sees things a little differently though.

Simmons is signed to Klutch Sports, the agency that represents, among others, LeBron James and wantaway New Orleans Pelicans star Anthony Davis.

There is a non-zero possibility, according to Wilmes, that Simmons would turn down such an extension – making him the first number one pick to do so.

If Simmons did decide to do this, he would sign what is known as a qualifying offer – a one year deal which would then allow the Australian star to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the 2020-21 season.

This means he could sign with any team of his choosing – meaning a potential team-up with mentor and Klutch stablemate James.

So why does any of this matter?

Simmons turning down a rookie offer would be a massive shake-up to the hierarchy of the NBA.

Rookies can only sign max deals with teams that drafted them as a way to maintain competitive balance.

Were Simmons to circumvent that (by taking an admittedly massive paycut), it would be an unprecedented move.

Why it’s so plausible is the combination of his temperament and Klutch Sports’, and by extension, agent Rich Paul’s, willingness to swing for the fences for their players.

Paul and Anthony Davis dominated headlines in the weeks leading up to the trade deadline for their ambitious attempt to get Davis out of New Orleans and onto the Lakers.

Simmons is no stranger to causing controversy, openly phoning in his college season with LSU and even filming a documentary about how he was ready for the NBA that year.

Ever since signing with Klutch in 2016, Simmons has been inextricably linked to James.

How he and the 76ers fare in the playoffs will go a long way towards offering a glimpse into the future.