Ben Simmons, most recently of the Los Angeles Clippers
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INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 23: Ben Simmons #25 of the Los Angeles Clippers looks on before the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Intuit Dome on March 23, 2025 in Inglewood, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
The free agency saga of Ben Simmons has never been particularly engrossing. Interest in the Australian forward – who played most recently with the Los Angeles Clippers – has been tepid at best, with the Clippers seemingly having no interest in re-signing him, instead acquiring John Collins from the Utah Jazz at the start of the offseason. And there has been very little reporting in the way of other suitors.
With this in mind, a new report which states that Simmons is contemplating retirement seems entirely plausible. Stefan Bondy of the New York Post reported that a small degree of interest from the New York Knicks was met with feedback from Simmons that he is unsure if he wants to continue playing at all.
Ben Simmons has generated interest from the Knicks and another team but is also questioning whether he even wants to continue playing in the NBA next season, The Post has learned.
The former All-Star and Rookie of the Year, who has struggled recently with injuries and handling the public pressures of the league, is an option for the Knicks because of his upside as an elite defender and athlete to fill their backup point guard spot, a league source said.
However, Simmons, who has accumulated DNPs the past few seasons, and over $200 million in career earnings, is sending a message that he isn’t sure “if he wants to continue,” another source added.
Simmons’ Early Promise
At 29 years old, Simmons should still be in the prime of his career. But anyone with even a passing knowledge of Simmons’ career knows that his peak came many years ago.
After being drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers and missing his first season through injury, Simmons was immediately given the keys to the offense upon his return, and responded with a https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2018/jun/26/philadelphia-guard-ben-simmons-named-nba-rookie-of-the-year. He could not shoot, famously, but he absolutely could pass on the move, get to the rim with the ball in his hands, push the pace, throw pocket passes, and defend multiple positions.
Simmons’ best four seasons were his first four. In 275 regular season games, all starts, he averaged 16.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, 7.7 assists, 1.7 steals and 0.7 blocks per game, shooting 56.0% from the field. But after missing the entire 2021-22 season as well through a combination of back injury and mental blocks, he has never been the same again. Not even close, in fact.
Mutual Lack Of Enthusiasm
As a result of all the pressure surrounding his shooting struggles, Simmons would ultimately become incredibly gun-shy. He still could not shoot, but ultimately, he also would not shoot, passing up everything but the most open of lay-ups – and the back injuries continued. Ultimately, Simmons would be passed around as a contract, rather than coveted as a player, and the security of that contract is now behind him.
Simmons’ free agency interest this summer seems to have come from the Knicks, Sacramento Kings, Phoenix Suns and Boston Celtics. The Kings decided he was not the right fit. The Suns opted for Jordan Goodwin instead, if even they were ever interested. The Celtics went another direction and instead signed Chris Boucher. And while the Knicks’ interest in Simmons for their final roster spot apparently persists, Simmons – who parted ways with his agent – apparently wants more than the minimum salary, despite the lack of leverage.
With Ben Simmons, there is always something. Some reason. Some obstacle. Always.
As an Australian citizen, playing in that country’s NBL – a popular option for former and fringe NBA players – should be on the table. But there has been no mention of it. Simmons has supposedly lost his fire for the game, tired of the constant criticism and not having his back problem taken seriously. And so an extremely early retirement looms large. If he still loved basketball, maybe he would be more comfortable at home. But it seems there is no right fit any more, both on and off the court.