Ben Simmons in 'engagement' bombshell amid $177 million NBA saga
Aussie basketball star Ben Simmons is reportedly engaged to British TV personality Maya Jama.
According to multiple reports in the UK, Simmons popped the question to Jama over Christmas after a seven-month relationship.
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Jama is said to have spent Christmas with the Philadelphia 76ers star at his $6.9 million mansion in New Jersey.
The Sun quoted a source close to the couple as saying: “Ben adores Maya and has fallen head over heels for her. He picked up the ring on Jewelers’ Row in the diamond district of Philadelphia the day before he proposed.
“He chose the ring himself and felt he knew exactly what she would want. Maya said yes and they’re both thrilled.
“Ben was so excited, but they’ve decided to keep the news low-key and tell only those closest to them.
“Maya flew to New Jersey to spend Christmas with him and is still there now. They had a small family gathering last weekend and announced their engagement.”
Simmons and Jama have been together since May and went public with their relationship at Wimbledon in July.
Simmons and Jama were spotted sharing a kiss and showing their affection for each other as they sat in the stands at the All England Club.
Jama is a TV and radio personality in the UK, as well as a model.
No signs of Ben Simmons returning to the court
Simmons is currently locked in an ugly standoff with the 76ers and hasn't played at all this season.
The Aussie All-Star is still nowhere near returning to the court, but as the NBA's February 10 trade deadline looms his name is certain to dominate headlines once again.
Several teams have already held trade talks with the 76ers since the beginning of the season, notably the Indiana Pacers, Sacramento Kings and the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Those three are expected to continue negotiating with the Sixers, however the price for Simmons is expected to remain high.
Philadelphia GM Daryl Morey has repeatedly stated his willingness to let the standoff play out over multiple seasons, insisting on getting an All Star-level player back, plus multiple first round picks.
ESPN insider Adrian Wojnarowski believes the Cleveland Cavaliers could be in a position to make a move for Simmons, describing them as a 'team to watch' in the Simmons sweepstakes.
"Before they went on this incredible run to start the season, they had been engaged with Philly on Simmons," he said.
"They've got some really intriguing assets, either in a straight deal with Philly or perhaps a three or four team deal.
"This is a team in Cleveland which is one game out of third place.
"Philly is a team right now in the bunched up Eastern Conference who could be out of the play-in tournament if they have a couple of losses.
"Expect Philly to start talking to teams more closer to that February 10 deadline."
Simmons is in the second year of a five-year, $177 million contract with Philadelphia.
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