Estimated to Be Valued $14,100,000 Less Than LeBron James, Ben Simmons Will be the 4th Costliest Free Agent in 2025

Utathya Ghosh | 18/09/2023
Estimated to Be Valued $14,100,000 Less Than LeBron James, Ben Simmons Will be the 4th Costliest Free Agent in 2025

In a recent X (formerly Twitter) post by Frank Michael Smith, the anticipated free agents of 2025 were ranked according to their Annual Average Value (AAV). Surprisingly, among the top contenders was none other than Ben Simmons, and his placement was nothing short of remarkable. What caught the eye of many was the fact that Simmons’ AAV fell only $14,100,000 short of the legendary LeBron James.

It’s evident that Simmons’ trajectory hasn’t been quite the same since his days in Philadelphia. Battling a series of injury setbacks, the road hasn’t been easy. However, against all odds, he remains a prominent figure in the upcoming free agency market, poised to secure the fourth-highest contract in 2025.

Ben Simmons is two spots below LeBron James

Topping the list is LeBron James, commanding an impressive AAV of $49.5 million. In stark comparison, Ben Simmons’ estimated value stands at $35.4 million, a margin of $14.1 million. 

The Tweet read:

Breaking down their current salaries, LeBron’s income stands at $49,511,644 per annum, while Simmons commands a still formidable $35,448,672 per year. These figures reflect the average annual earnings derived from their respective contracts, with LeBron representing the Lakers and Simmons now playing in Brooklyn.

Sliding in between the two are the Los Angeles Clippers’ Paul George and Kawhi Leonard, both with an anticipated AAV of $44 million. It’s essential to note that these values are based on market projections and are unlikely to be the true value of their salaries during free agency in 2025. 

LeBron and Simmons were once similar prospects

Reflecting on their earlier careers, it’s intriguing to note that LeBron James and Ben Simmons were once hailed as similar prospects during their respective drafts. Both were lauded for their ability to orchestrate plays, showcasing elite court vision, formidable physicality, and masterful ball-handling.

While LeBron has undoubtedly surpassed the monumental expectations set for him, Simmons finds himself at a pivotal juncture, still striving to fully realize his potential on the court.

Post Edited By: Hitesh Nigam
Ben Simmons LeBron James

About the author

Utathya Ghosh

I'm Utathya, the resident basketball wordsmith and editor extraordinaire at The SportsRush's NBA section. When it comes to writing about the NBA, I've got the authority of a referee with a whistle and the flair of a player with a killer crossover. My love affair with the NBA has been going strong for a solid 8+ years, and trust me, it's been a wild ride. From buzzer-beating shots to mind-boggling dunks, I've witnessed it all. And through it all, one player has captured my heart and handles like no other: Kyrie Irving. That man's got moves that make me question the laws of physics. But enough about my favorite player. Let's talk about my natural talent for writing. They say the pen is mightier than the sword, but when it comes to basketball, my words are like three-point bombs that leave you in awe. I've got a knack for capturing the intensity of the game, the drama of the locker room, and the passion of the fans, all while keeping it entertaining and relatable. So, whether you're a die-hard fan or just getting your feet wet in the world of basketball, join me on this court of words as we dive into the thrilling world of the NBA. From epic comebacks to mind-blowing trades, I've got the inside scoop and the witty commentary to keep you hooked. Get ready for a slam dunk of articles that'll have you shouting "swish" with every read!

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