The career of Ben Simmons has been nothing short of unique, and after the former number one overall pick reportedly received a contract offer from the New York Knicks, another chapter of his up-and-down NBA tenure began.
According to Stefan Bondy of the New York Post, Simmons was reportedly ‘questioning’ his future in the league as he remains a free agent more than two and a half months into the NBA offseason.
Now, with retirement rumors surrounding the former running-mate of Joel Embiid on the Philadelphia 76ers, Simmons directly addressed his future. In response to the question of whether he’s retired, he directly said ‘No.’
Simmons spent last season on the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Clippers, averaging a combined five points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.6 assists in 22 minutes a game on 51 total appearances.
Simmons’ Uncertain Future
So far this summer, the reports on Simmons’ plans have been murky. After playing out his contract with the Clippers last season, he’s been on the free agent market since the offseason began in July.
Simmons was initially linked to the Knicks, Boston Celtics, and Golden State Warriors as a potential addition for teams hopeful to stay competitive. New York stood out and reportedly offered him a one-year deal, which was turned down by the former first overall pick. The Knicks then denied that they formally offered him a deal for next season.
Subsequently, Simmons and his agent went their separate ways, sparking the reports that he was questioning his future in the NBA. Now, with his response, that rumor can be put to bed. However, that doesn’t answer where Simmons will land next.
His performance and efficiency have dropped in each year since the 2020-21 season, his last year in Philadelphia. After earning a big deal with the Sixers, Simmons had little impact over his next two and a half years in Brooklyn.
While he was compared to Magic Johnson early in his career, Simmons’ lack of both an ability and willingness to shoot three-pointers remains the biggest sticking point as to why his play-style doesn’t fit in the current NBA.
Despite his three All-Star appearances and two All-Defensive team selections, Simmons remains one of the top remaining free agents in the NBA after dispelling the retirement rumors.
Knicks Making Plans Without The Former No. 1 Pick
While Simmons’ future remains uncertain just a month before the start of the 2025-26 NBA season, the Knicks have gone ahead with plans not involving the former first overall pick.
Most recently, New York signed Malcolm Brogdon and Landry Shamet to their roster, which was previously highlighted by the earlier offseason additions of Jordan Clarkson and Guerschon Yabusele.
Along with keeping their core of Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, and company together, the Knicks gave Mikal Bridges a four-year contract extension. After making massive trades over the past few seasons to create one of the strongest starting fives in the league, New York has committed to those players long-term.
Additionally, the Knicks’ offseason began with the hiring of new head coach Mike Brown to replace Tom Thibodeau. New York reached the conference finals for the first time in 25 years with Thibodeau at the helm last year, but he was promptly dismissed after their season ended at the hands of the Indiana Pacers.
With their core returning while adding depth and a new coach, New York expects to be a top contender in the East next season. Simmons remains a mystery, with his future likely not changing the Knicks’ plans for the future.
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