The "rebuilding" Brooklyn Net point guard Ben Simmons on the cover of Esquire Australia, which films him in his expensive new DUMBO condo

Esquire Australia’s October/November cover story (link) is an interview with Australian-born basketballer Ben Simmons, now of the Brooklyn Nets, modeling some very expensive clothing.

An accompanying video below takes the visiting reporter through Simmons's high-floor apartment at the sail-shaped Olympia DUMBO--a combo of two, actually--with great views of the waterfront.

A big deal

Simmons was reported by the New York Post in August to have "closed on a two-apartment combo deal on the 21st floor, creating an eight-bedroom, loft-like space for a total of $12 million."

As far as I can tell, the two units actually cost nearly $13.5 million. (No property record shows Simmons' name, but rather a limited liability company, or LLC.)

Is buying real estate in Brooklyn a wise idea for a basketball player who could be traded at any time? Maybe not, from a strictly economic perspective, given transaction costs and the difficulty in selling a particularly expensive residence.

Then again, Simmons signed a 5-year, $177 million contract through the 2024-25 season, with career earnings (not counting endorsements) through 2024-25 over $203 million. So he could take a financial hit--or maybe keep it as a pad in New York City.

   

From the article

The Esquire article's headlined "The rebuilding of Ben Simmons," with the following summary:

The Australian has had a torrid few years, with a change of club and persistent injuries threatening to derail one of the brightest talents in the NBA. Now settled in his new home in Brooklyn and with his body getting stronger by the day, Ben Simmons is back—and he might just be better than ever.

So far, as the New York Post reported, the 6'10" point guard and defensive ace has shined with rebounding, assists, and defense, but remains tentative about shooting (and even free throws), which handicaps the Nets and allows defenses to play off him.

From Simmons' living room, the Esquire writer can see the Statue of Liberty and the Brooklyn Bridge--all visible from the video, as well.

He's got impressive watches, tons of sneakers, an elaborate gaming room, a pilates room, a cinema room, and well-chosen accoutrements. 

“I feel settled [in Brooklyn]. I’ve been here for about a year now," Simmons told Esquire. He's also probably happy that the building has on-site parking so he can avoid tourists--and potential paparazzi. 

Let's see if, as he aims, can become an All-Star again.