The New York Knicks never made a formal offer to three-time All-Star Ben Simmons despite reports suggesting otherwise, according to SNY’s Ian Begley, citing league sources.
Begley’s reporting came after longtime NBA insider Marc Stein wrote in his newsletter that Simmons had “passed on” a one-year veteran minimum deal from the Knicks. Begley clarified that while New York held interest in the former Rookie of the Year, no such contract was formally extended.
Knicks’ Interest in Simmons
The Knicks viewed Simmons as a possible low-risk option to add size and playmaking off the bench. Their second unit was already bolstered this offseason by the signings of veteran forward Guerschon Yabusele and former Sixth Man of the Year Jordan Clarkson.
According to Stein, New York and the Boston Celtics showed the “most serious interest” in Simmons during the summer. The Celtics have since filled their roster need by signing former Toronto big man Chris Boucher.
Stein also added that Simmons parted ways with his agent, Bernie Lee, who also represents Golden State Warriors star Jimmy Butler, further clouding his market.
Knicks’ Limited Cap Room
New York currently sits $3.7 million under the league’s second-apron threshold after using its taxpayer midlevel exception to sign Yabusele. That leaves the Knicks with enough flexibility for one more veteran minimum signing and the addition of a second-round draft pick to a rookie contract.
Bleacher Report’s salary cap expert Eric Pincus recently predicted Simmons could still find his way to Madison Square Garden, though Begley’s reporting indicates no formal deal is in place.
Ben Simmons’ Uncertain Future
While Simmons continues to attract attention, his future in the NBA remains uncertain. Stefan Bondy of the New York Post reported that Simmons is weighing whether to continue his professional career at all.
“The former All-Star and Rookie of the Year, who has struggled recently with injuries and handling the public pressures of the league, is an option for the Knicks because of his upside as an elite defender and athlete to fill their backup point guard spot,” Bondy wrote. “However, Simmons … is sending a message that he isn’t sure if he wants to continue.”
Fallen Star
Getty Ben Simmons’ stock is at an all-time low.
The 28-year-old Simmons entered the NBA as the No. 1 overall pick in 2016 and appeared to be on a fast track to superstardom. He made three consecutive All-Star teams, won Rookie of the Year in 2018, and was twice selected to the NBA All-Defensive First Team while with the Philadelphia 76ers.
But his career has been derailed by injuries and mental health struggles since his high-profile exit from Philadelphia. With the Brooklyn Nets, Simmons battled back issues that kept him sidelined for long stretches. He averaged 6.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 6.9 assists across 33 games last season before reaching a buyout agreement.
The Los Angeles Clippers signed Simmons to a pro-rated one-year, $1.08 million contract to finish out the 2024-25 season, but he played just 17 games. He averaged career lows of 2.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.1 assists while struggling to establish a role.
Clippers Move On
This offseason, the Clippers reshaped their roster by adding Chris Paul, Bradley Beal and center Brook Lopez, closing the door on Simmons’ return to Los Angeles. Stein reported Simmons had entered the summer hoping to secure a deal above the veteran minimum, but as training camp nears, his options appear limited.
Despite his pedigree and defensive versatility, Simmons’ future in the NBA remains uncertain. While teams like the Knicks have expressed interest, the question now is whether the former All-Star wants to continue his career at all.
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