Ben Simmons Declines Knicks Offer, Future in NBA Uncertain
So here’s where things stand with Ben Simmons, and it’s pretty remarkable when you think about how quickly his career has shifted. Just a few years ago, he was an All-Star, a Defensive Player of the Year candidate, and one of the most talked-about young stars in the league. But now, with training camps only weeks away, Simmons is sitting as a free agent — unsigned, uncertain, and even reportedly questioning if he wants to continue playing in the NBA at all.
Now, it’s not like opportunities haven’t been there. According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the New York Knicks actually offered Simmons a one-year contract. But here’s the twist — he turned it down. The Knicks could only put a minimum deal on the table because of their salary cap situation, and Simmons, who’s still just 29 years old, was hoping to land something above that level. He came into the summer believing his value was still higher, but that hasn’t materialized.
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The Knicks weren’t the only team kicking the tires. The Celtics, Suns, and Kings reportedly checked in as well. New York’s interest was serious, especially after July when they started considering depth behind Jalen Brunson and a possible extra perimeter defender. But despite all that chatter, no deal came together.
What complicates things even further is that Simmons’ own agent, Bernie Lee, recently stepped away from representing him. That decision reportedly came after Simmons signaled he wasn’t interested in pursuing what few offers were available. So, not only is he without a team, but he’s also without an agent.
The bigger question hanging over all of this is why teams aren’t jumping at the chance to sign a player who, on paper, is still a 6-foot-10 versatile defender with three All-Star selections. And the answer lies in what we’ve seen over the past few years. Since 2021, Simmons hasn’t averaged more than seven points a game, hasn’t played more than 51 games in a season, and has struggled with both injuries and confidence issues. Last season, after a buyout in Brooklyn, he joined the Clippers, but his impact was minimal. He averaged under three points a game in limited minutes, and when the playoffs came, he played only 42 total minutes across seven games.
So here’s the reality: Simmons is facing a crossroads. On one hand, his defensive instincts, size, and passing are still rare skills, and those don’t just disappear. On the other, teams can’t ignore the fact that he hasn’t been aggressive offensively and has battled recurring back problems. Add in his reluctance to accept a smaller role and salary, and it becomes clear why front offices are hesitant.
It doesn’t mean the door is completely closed. Someone might take a chance, especially if he’s willing to reset expectations. But right now, Simmons’ decision to turn down the Knicks’ offer feels symbolic. He’s holding out hope for a better opportunity, but the league might be telling him, in no uncertain terms, that his days as a star — or even as a well-paid starter — are behind him. Whether he accepts that or walks away could define the rest of his career.
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