Ben Simmons Turns Down Knicks’ Offer, Future in NBA Uncertain

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by Cristian Andal

Former Clippers forward Ben Simmons.
Former Clippers forward Ben Simmons. Photo: Getty Images.

Ben Simmons’ NBA journey just took another twist. According to Marc Stein of The Stein Line, the former All-Star has declined a one-year deal from the New York Knicks, leaving his playing future hanging in the balance.

New York reportedly floated a minimum contract to Simmons as training camp nears, but the 29-year-old wasn’t interested. Coming into the offseason, Simmons was hoping for more than a veteran’s minimum after splitting last year between the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Clippers. Alongside the Knicks, the Boston Celtics were also among the few teams that seriously checked in on him.

The Aussie guard-forward currently has no agent representing him, after parting ways with longtime rep Bernie Lee earlier this summer.

Simmons’ on-court numbers last season paint a stark picture compared to his prime. He posted 5.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game while shooting efficiently at 52% from the field and nearly 73% from the line. However, he managed just one double-double across the entire campaign.

Ben Simmons.

Ben Simmons. Photo: Getty Images.

It’s a far cry from the version of Simmons who once looked destined to be the league’s next big two-way star. Drafted No. 1 overall in 2016 by the Philadelphia 76ers, he racked up three All-Star nods, two All-Defensive selections, and an All-NBA honor. But things began to unravel during the 2021 playoffs, when confidence issues on offense combined with mounting mental health struggles. That same summer, he requested a trade and was eventually shipped to Brooklyn in exchange for James Harden—who ironically later became his Clippers teammate.

Simmons sat out the entire 2021-22 season due to back problems and mental health concerns, and since then, flashes of his old form have been rare. Over nine seasons, he’s averaged 13.1 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 7.2 assists, but his impact has steadily declined.

Ben Simmons.
Ben Simmons. Photo: Getty Images.

For the Knicks, the failed pursuit of Simmons comes after a turbulent summer. New York made it all the way to the Eastern Conference Finals before bowing out to the Indiana Pacers in six games. The front office responded with a coaching shake-up, parting ways with Tom Thibodeau and hiring Mike Brown, who had been let go by the Sacramento Kings.

As training camps approach, the big question remains: is Simmons done with the NBA, or will another franchise take a gamble on a player who once looked like the future face of the league?