Ben Simmons Lands Massive $170M Extension Amidst Sister Liv’s Viral Shade Targeting Kendall Jenner’s NBA Dating History

In a week filled with significant headlines for the Simmons family, NBA star Ben Simmons has officially secured a monumental five-year, $170 million contract extension with the Philadelphia 76ers. This lucrative deal cements his future with the team and underscores his value as a cornerstone player in the league. However, the joyous professional news arrived hot on the heels of a fiery social media controversy ignited by his sister, Liv Simmons, who appeared to take a very public jab at Ben’s ex-girlfriend, supermodel Kendall Jenner, regarding her dating history with numerous NBA players.

Ben Simmons’ Blockbuster $170 Million Deal with the Philadelphia 76ers

The sports world was buzzing on July 15 when news broke that Ben Simmons, the dynamic point guard for the Philadelphia 76ers, had agreed to a max contract extension. The five-year, $170 million deal was confirmed by his agent, Rich Paul, to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, marking a pivotal moment in Simmons’ young but illustrious career. This staggering sum reflects the 76ers’ unwavering commitment to their core group of talented young players and their belief in Simmons’ potential to lead them to an NBA championship.

Drafted as the number one overall pick in the 2016 NBA draft, Simmons quickly established himself as a unique force in the league. Despite missing his entire rookie season due to injury, he bounced back to win the NBA Rookie of the Year award in 2018. His impressive skill set, characterized by exceptional court vision, elite passing, tenacious defense, and formidable athleticism, has made him a two-time NBA All-Star. While his shooting remains an area of ongoing development, his ability to impact the game in myriad ways makes him an invaluable asset to any team, particularly one with championship aspirations like the 76ers.

The $170 million extension is not just a reward for past performance; it’s a significant investment in the future. It signals that the 76ers view Simmons as a foundational piece alongside teammates like Joel Embiid, capable of anchoring a contending team for years to come. This commitment provides stability for Simmons and allows the franchise to build around his unique talents, aiming for sustained success in the competitive Eastern Conference. The financial security for Simmons is immense, setting him up as one of the league’s highest-paid stars and ensuring his future beyond basketball is well-provided for.

Liv Simmons’ Explosive Tweets: A Direct Jab at Kendall Jenner?

Days before her brother’s monumental contract news, Liv Simmons became the subject of widespread discussion across social media platforms. On July 10, she posted a series of tweets that many interpreted as a direct and pointed criticism of Ben’s former flame, Kendall Jenner. Her initial tweet, which quickly went viral, stated, “I just wouldn’t ever wanna be known for dating athletes. Like imagine working your way through a league. Not a team a LEAGUE!”

I just wouldn’t ever wanna be known for dating athletes. Like imagine working your way through a league. Not a team a LEAGUE!

— Liv Alice (@livvalice) July 10, 2019

I’d rather be crazy than be a hoe #facts

— Liv Alice (@livvalice) July 10, 2019

Kendall Jenner’s Notable NBA Dating History: From Ben Simmons to Blake Griffin and Beyond

The context for Liv Simmons’ remarks largely stems from Kendall Jenner’s public relationships, which have frequently involved professional basketball players. Jenner, a prominent figure in the modeling and reality television world, has often found herself in the spotlight not just for her career, but also for her romantic associations within the NBA. These relationships have fueled ongoing tabloid speculation and social media chatter, making her a recurrent topic in discussions about celebrity and sports.

Ben Simmons: A High-Profile Romance

Kendall Jenner and Ben Simmons dated on and off for about a year, with their relationship making regular headlines in 2018 and early 2019. Their pairing was one of the most visible celebrity-athlete couplings at the time, often spotted together at games, events, and in casual outings. However, the relationship ultimately “fizzled out,” leading to their split in May, just two months prior to Liv’s public comments. The ending of their romance, while reportedly amicable, naturally placed Kendall back in the rumor mill, which perhaps contributed to the timing of Liv’s pointed criticisms.

Blake Griffin: Another NBA Star

Before her relationship with Ben Simmons, Kendall Jenner was notably linked to then-Detroit Pistons star Blake Griffin. Their on-again, off-again romance spanned through 2017 and 2018, attracting considerable media attention. Griffin, known for his athleticism and charisma on the court, was another high-profile NBA figure in Jenner’s dating history, further solidifying the narrative that she had a particular affinity for basketball players.

Jordan Clarkson and Kyle Kuzma: The Lakers Connection

In 2016, Kendall was also romantically linked to Jordan Clarkson, who was then playing for the Los Angeles Lakers. While that relationship appeared to be more low-key, it nonetheless added another NBA player to her list of rumored and confirmed partners. More recently, and perhaps most provocatively in the context of Liv’s tweets, were the rumors surrounding Kendall and current L.A. Laker Kyle Kuzma. Reports, particularly from the Daily Mail, suggested that the two “took a romantic cruise” aboard a yacht on July 4. These reports quickly spread, igniting fresh speculation about another NBA romance for Jenner.

However, it is crucial to clarify that these rumors were swiftly debunked. A source close to the model exclusively told us that “Kendall is very happy being single and Kyle Kuzma is nothing more than just a friend.” While they did indeed hang out at a party during the holiday, the romantic aspect was firmly denied. It’s highly probable that these widespread, albeit false, reports linking Kendall to Kuzma were the final straw that prompted Liv Simmons’ fiery online tirade.

The Broader Conversation: Celebrity Dating, Public Scrutiny, and Gendered Criticism

Liv Simmons’ tweets, while seemingly directed at Kendall Jenner, also tap into a broader cultural conversation about celebrity dating, public scrutiny, and the often-gendered criticism faced by women in the public eye. The phrase “working your way through a league” carries a specific, derogatory connotation that suggests a deliberate, perhaps even opportunistic, pursuit of relationships within a particular professional circle.

This type of commentary frequently accompanies discussions about women who date multiple high-profile athletes or men from a specific industry. It raises questions about why women’s dating histories are so often dissected and judged, particularly in contrast to their male counterparts, whose romantic lives are frequently viewed with less moralistic judgment. For Kendall Jenner, as a member of the highly visible Kardashian-Jenner family, every aspect of her life, including her relationships, is subjected to intense media scrutiny and public opinion.

The situation highlights the complex interplay between fame, personal life, and social media in the modern age. When family members like Liv Simmons weigh in, it adds another layer of drama and authenticity, often blurring the lines between private grievances and public spectacle. While Ben Simmons celebrates a massive professional achievement, the personal drama surrounding his past relationships continues to unfold in the very public arena of social media, illustrating that even with immense wealth and success, the glare of the spotlight can bring both triumph and controversy.