Ben Simmons: Career Earnings| Net Worth| What happened to

Introduction

Ben Simmons entered the NBA amid massive hype: a generational talent, standing at 6’10” with elite court vision and defensive traits. But his trajectory—filled with All-Star nods, contract fortunes, injuries, and questions about his motivation—took a sharp turn. Today, many are asking: What happened to Ben Simmons? What’s his net worth? And how much has he actually earned?

This article dives deep into his career earnings, estimated net worth, and the dramatic rise and fall of his NBA career—all with citations to reliable, up-to-date sources.

1. Career Earnings: From Rookie Deal to Max Extension

Ben Simmons’ NBA earnings have been substantial, owing to his towering early career promise and the max contract he secured.

• According to Spotrac, his career NBA earnings up to 2025 total approximately $203,356,689. He ranks around 57th all-time in NBA career earnings.

• A SportsKeeda article reports a similar figure: “over $203 million across his career”, with roughly $123 million earned with the Nets.

These figures reflect his rookie contract, max extension, and subsequent seasons, despite reduced playing time due to injury.

2. Salary Breakdown by Year & Team

A more granular breakdown from Celebrity Net Worth and SportsFeelGoodStories helps illustrate Simmons’ earnings trajectory:

• Philadelphia 76ers (2016–2022):

  • 2016–17: $5.9M

  • 2017–18: $6.2M

  • 2018–19: $6.4M

  • 2019–20: $7.6M

  • 2020–21: $30.6M

  • 2021–22: $21.8M

• Brooklyn Nets (2021–25):

  • 2021–22 (partial): $11.2M

  • 2022–23: $35.4M

  • 2023–24: $37.9M

  • 2024–25: $40.3M

• Los Angeles Clippers (2025):

  • One-year veteran minimum around $1.08 million.

These numbers illustrate his rise from modest rookie pay to near-peak max-level salary.

3. Estimated Net Worth

Despite racking up hundreds of millions in earnings, Simmons’ net worth is notably lower—due to fines, buyouts, taxes, and lifestyle factors.

• Celebrity Net Worth estimates him at $80 million as of 2025.

• SportsFeelGoodStories places his net worth between $75–80 million and notes major endorsement deals (e.g., Nike reportedly paid up to $20M with performance bonuses that could exceed $40M).

4. What Happened to Ben Simmons?

Simmons’ fall from early bloom to uncertain present is a tale of injury, lost confidence, and mounting criticism.

4.1 Early Promise and Stardom

• Picked first overall by the 76ers in 2016, Simmons missed his rookie year due to a foot injury but returned to win Rookie of the Year (2018). He subsequently earned three consecutive All-Star selections (2019–2021) and made All-Defensive teams.

4.2 The 2021 Playoff Collapse

• His career turned in the 2021 playoffs: Simmons famously passed up a dunk opportunity in Game 7 against the Atlanta Hawks, followed by free-throw struggles—he ended up with one of the worst shooting performances in postseason history. This prompted harsh criticism and sparked a full offseason standoff with the 76ers.

4.3 Trade, Injuries & Buyout

• In February 2022, Simmons was traded to the Brooklyn Nets. However, persistent back issues, nerve impingements, and surgeries limited his court time. He played just 42 games in the 2022–23 season and only 15 in 2023–24 before missing the rest due to injury.

• In February 2025, the Nets waived Simmons and bought out his contract, after which he signed a one-year veteran minimum deal with the Clippers (playing 18 games with modest stats)

4.4 Is Retirement Near?

• As of early September 2025, Simmons is reportedly weighing retirement at age 29. Teams like the New York Knicks are interested, but only at minimum salary. Having earned over $200 million, he could comfortably walk away financially.

• Australian media and fans add another dimension—many view his talent as wasted. Articles cite his inconsistent motivation and raise doubts about potential national team contributions.

5. Overview Table

6. Resume of Key Highlights

• Stellar Beginnings: No. 1 draft pick (2016), Rookie of the Year, three-time All-Star, top defensively.

• Big Contracts: 5-year max extension (~$170M), earned over $200M in salary.

• Unraveling: The playoff collapse of 2021 followed by severe injuries derailed momentum.

• Recent Struggles: Limited court time, underwhelming Clippers stint, potential retirement at only 29.

• Financial Reality: Despite astronomical earnings, net worth significantly lower due to fines, buyouts, taxes, lifestyle.

Conclusion

Ben Simmons’ story is a cautionary tale of great potential meeting adversity. His career earnings crossed the $200 million mark, yet his net worth remains around $80 million—suggesting financial and performance costs. On the court, his early rise gave way to uncertainty: injuries, lost confidence, and criticism blurred his legacy.

Now facing a crossroads—continue playing, sign a minimum deal, or retire—Simmons remains one of the most intriguing “what-if” figures in recent NBA memory. His impact may not be defined by championships or longevity, but his career still prompts conversation: about talent, pressure, and choices under the brightest spotlight.