Ben Simmons Turns Down Knicks’ One-Year Offer as NBA Future Hangs in Balance
The New York Knicks made a play for former All-Star Ben Simmons this offseason, offering him a one-year contract that he ultimately rejected, according to NBA insider Marc Stein.
Simmons, now 29, isn’t interested in settling for minimum salary deals despite his recent career struggles.
“New York is limited to minimum contract offers as training camps draw near and Simmons entered the summer hopeful of securing a contract above the minimum after he split last season between the Nets and Clippers,” Stein reported. “Boston and New York, I’m told, expressed the most serious interest in Simmons this summer.”
This development comes at a particularly uncertain time for the former No. 1 pick.
Recent reports indicate that Simmons’ agent Bernie Lee has parted ways with him, and even more concerning, Simmons is reportedly questioning whether he wants to continue his NBA career at all.
The basketball world is watching closely as the three-time All-Star contemplates his future.
Career at a Crossroads
Right now, the Knicks and Celtics appear to be the only teams potentially willing to add Simmons before the season starts. Boston would likely only offer a minimum deal given their tight cap situation.
Back in July, Stein reported that four teams had shown interest in Simmons.
“League sources say that the Suns have also had some recent dialogue with former All-Star Ben Simmons, who I’m told has drawn interest since free agency began from Boston, New York, and Sacramento,” he wrote.
It’s a stunning position for a player once considered among the NBA’s brightest young stars.
Simmons was the first overall pick by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2016. His early career was filled with accolades – Rookie of the Year in 2018, three straight All-Star appearances from 2019-21, and a runner-up finish for Defensive Player of the Year in 2021.
The Fall From Grace
The last few years have been tough for Simmons.
He missed the entire 2021-22 season due to a contract holdout with the Sixers and a back injury that eventually required surgery. Philadelphia ultimately traded him to Brooklyn in September 2022.
His time with the Nets was plagued by health issues. According to Basketball Reference, Simmons appeared in just 57 total games across two years with Brooklyn. He underwent a second back procedure near the end of the 2023-24 season.
The Nets eventually bought out his maximum-salary contract in February, leading to his brief stint with the Clippers.
Last season, splitting time between Brooklyn and Los Angeles, Simmons averaged just 5.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.6 assists in 22 minutes per game. He shot 52% from the field and 72.7% from the free throw line.
For a player who once commanded a max contract, these numbers reflect just how far his stock has fallen.
With training camps approaching and no deal in sight, Simmons faces a critical decision about his basketball future.
