Ben Simmons is still without a team just weeks before training camps open, and it’s not because no team is interested.
The 29-year-old turned down an opportunity with New York, according to longtime NBA reporter Marc Stein.
“The Knicks, league sources said, indeed offered a one-year contract to Ben Simmons that the former All-Star passed on.
“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.
“Boston and New York, I’m told, expressed the most serious interest in Simmons this summer,” Stein added.
Stein also noted that Simmons’ agent, Bernie Lee, had “decided to step away from representing him.”
Interestingly, Sports New York reporter Ian Begley says no offer was actually made.
“Knicks have had dialogue with free agent Ben Simmons over the course of the offseason and certainly have had interest in him, but club has never made a formal offer to Simmons, per league sources. Landry Shamet, Malcolm Brogdon among those on NYK radar for its lone roster spot,” he said on X.
Knicks have had dialogue with free agent Ben Simmons over the course of the offseason and certainly have had interest in him, but club has never made a formal offer to Simmons, per league sources. Landry Shamet, Malcolm Brogdon among those on NYK radar for its lone roster spot
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) September 8, 2025
Stefan Bondy of the New York Post recently revealed Simmons was “questioning whether he even wants to continue playing in the NBA next season.”
It is clear the Australian is searching for more than the vet’s minimum, but no team in the league thinks he’s worth more than that.
The former No. 1 pick and three-time All-Star has not played at a star level since 2021.
Last year for the Clippers, he averaged 2.9 points, 3.8 rebounds and 3.1 assists in 18 games, while logging just 42 total minutes in LAC’s seven-game series playoff loss to Denver.
At 6-foot-10 with multiple All-Defensive Team honors, Ben still brings unique size and defensive ability.
But with back issues and a reluctance to shoot, teams appear hesitant to offer more than a minimal role.
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