Philadelphia sports fans have seen their share of heartbreak over the years. Championship hopes dashed by unexpected injuries, key players suddenly losing their edge – it’s a familiar story.
But what if there’s actually a reason behind some of these collapses?
Ben Simmons and Nick Castellanos, two stars who saw their Philadelphia careers implode in spectacular fashion, might’ve had something in common beyond just underperforming. They both lived in the same house – a sprawling mansion in Moorestown, New Jersey, just outside the city.
The House That Ben Simmons Built
Simmons picked up the brand-new property in 2019 for $2.275 million. The place isn’t subtle: 10,500 square feet, five bedrooms, five-and-a-half bathrooms. He customized it with zebra-print quartz countertops and an all-black dining room.
At the time, Simmons was a three-time NBA All-Star with the 76ers. His future looked bright.
That didn’t last long. Back injuries plagued him throughout the season, but it was a single moment that defined his Philadelphia tenure — passing up an open dunk late in Game 7 against the Atlanta Hawks in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. The 76ers lost; Simmons sat out the start of the following season over both the injury and a dispute with the team.
The Nets eventually acquired him in the James Harden trade. He’s now out of the league entirely at just 29 years old.
Castellanos Moves In
In 2022, Simmons unloaded the house for $4.55 million — doubling his money in just three years.
The buyer? Nick Castellanos, who’d just signed a five-year, $100 million deal with the Phillies.
Things started well enough. Castellanos helped Philadelphia reach the 2022 World Series and earned an All-Star nod in 2023. But his overall performance with the team fell well short of expectations.
There is something about that damn house.
First Ben Simmons. Now Nick Castellanos.#Sixers #Phillies #IYKYK— Jason Ashworth (@AllAshworth) February 13, 2026
By 2025, Castellanos had become one of the worst starting outfielders in baseball. The Phillies cut ties with him last week, agreeing to pay over $19 million of his $20 million salary just to make him go away.
For the sake of Philadelphia fans everywhere, let’s hope whoever buys the house next isn’t playing for the Eagles, Flyers, or any other local team.