How Ben Simmons can earn an extra $47 million next season

The staggering amount of money at stake for Ben Simmons next season sheds light on his decision to skip the World Cup with the Boomers.

Ben Simmons has a reason to stay in Philly and work on his game. Picture: Mark Stewart

New details surrounding the monster contract extension Ben Simmons signed with the Philadelphia 76ers shed light on why the Aussie NBA star may have chosen to skip this year’s World Cup.

Simmons inked a five-year $241 million (AUD) deal earlier this week, but he can bump it up to $289 million by meeting certain criteria this season.

USA Today reports the value of the point guard’s extension will increase to $270 million if he makes the 2020 All-NBA third team. Second-team selection would boost it to $279 million, while making the first team would see the 22-year-old make the full $289 million.

That’s serious motivation for the 2018-19 All-Star, who would quickly elevate himself among the best guards in the league if he can improve his shooting.

“Simmons instantly vaults into the MVP conversation if he adds a jumper to his game,” NBC Sports’ Tom Haberstroh wrote in a piece arguing why Simmons was worth every cent Philly is paying him. “Players that are one skill away from MVP talk absolutely deserve the max. Players in that realm are almost never 22 years old. Simmons is already there.”

USA Today’s Jeff Neiburg agreed. “I’d bet on the jump shot. And I’d bet on this contract being a bargain,” he wrote.

Ben Simmons (Photo by Jennifer Pottheiser/NBAE via Getty Images)

Hours after the extension was signed, Simmons said he preferred to spend time with his new teammates in September instead of travelling to China for the August 31 to September 15 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,” Simmons said in a statement.

“Ultimately, we decided it was best that I use the time in September to return to Philadelphia to acquaint myself with my new teammates and prepare for the upcoming NBA season.” Simmons had been selected for Australia’s World Cup squad and had earlier indicated he planned to play the tournament in China.

He now plans to play only for the Boomers in two exhibition games against the United States in Melbourne on August 22 and 24 at a stadium that is expected to be sold out — 50,000 fans — for each game. He also said the Olympics next year in Tokyo remain on his schedule.

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

Simmons was the No. 1 overall draft pick in 2016. He made his NBA debut in the 2017-18 season and was the Rookie of the Year. He was an All-Star for the first time last season. He has averaged 16.4 points, 8.5 rebounds and 7.9 assists in his two seasons.

Australia’s World Cup line-up is set to feature San Antonio’s Patty Mills, Joe Ingles of Utah Jazz, Phoenix centre Aron Baynes, Cleveland’s Matthew Dellavedova, former No. 1 draft pick Andrew Bogut, Detroit centre-forward Thon Maker and Simmons’ 76ers teammate Jonah Bolden.

— with AP