Ben Simmons Considering NBA Retirement Amid Knicks Rumors

Ben Simmons might be done with basketball altogether, according to Stefan Bondy of the New York Post. The former All-Star is reportedly “questioning” whether he even wants to continue his NBA career as he weighs his limited free agency options.

The Knicks are still interested in bringing him aboard.

NBA insider Marc Stein reported in July that Simmons had attracted attention from three teams: Boston, New York, and Sacramento. But the market has dried up considerably since then.

Now, with training camps about to open, Bondy says only the Knicks and one other mystery team remain interested in the 29-year-old former star.

SNY’s Ian Begley confirmed last month that New York has “continued to show strong interest in signing Simmons as teams in on Simmons await his decision.”

Simmons had a rough 2024-25 season, splitting time between two teams. He started 24 of 33 games with the Brooklyn Nets before his contract was bought out. He then signed with the Los Angeles Clippers, where he came off the bench in 18 games.

His numbers were a shadow of his former All-Star self. In 51 total games, he averaged just 5.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.6 assists in 22 minutes per game.

It’s been a dramatic fall for the former No. 1 pick.

The Philadelphia 76ers selected Simmons first overall in 2016, and he quickly became one of the league’s most promising young stars. During his time in Philly, he racked up three All-Star appearances, made two All-Defensive teams, and earned an All-NBA Third-Team selection.

Then everything fell apart.

Simmons missed the entire 2021-22 season due to a contract holdout and a back injury that eventually required surgery. The Sixers traded him to Brooklyn in September 2022, but his health problems continued.

According to Basketball Reference, he’s played just 57 total games across his first two years with the Nets. He underwent a second back procedure near the end of last season.

For his career, Simmons has averaged 13.1 points, 7.4 rebounds, 7.2 assists, 1.5 steals, and 0.7 blocks across 383 regular-season games with the Sixers, Nets, and Clippers.

If he decides to keep playing, Simmons would likely sign a minimum deal with the Knicks.

New York is coming off a disappointing finish to their 2024-25 campaign, losing to the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference finals in six games. The team fired head coach Tom Thibodeau afterward and replaced him with Mike Brown.

The Knicks will open training camp on Wednesday, September 24.