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Los Angeles Clippers
Sep 5, 2025 1:13 PM EDT
Ben Simmons endured a rollercoaster 2024-25 campaign split between the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Clippers. He averaged 5.0 points, 5.6 assists and 4.7 rebounds in 51 games and was limited to a bench role. Once viewed as a franchise cornerstone, the former No. 1 pick is now navigating free agency without a clear path forward.
Despite reported links to the New York Knicks (via New York Post reporter Stefan Bondy), who could only offer him a minimum contract, Simmons remains unsigned as training camps near. That uncertainty has shifted the conversation toward his long-term future. With no firm commitments in place, speculation has grown that retirement is under consideration for the 29-year-old guard-forward.
Former Los Angeles Clippers guard Ben Simmons (25).
Former Los Angeles Clippers guard Ben Simmons (25). — Source: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
That discussion led former NBA champion Jeff Teague to offer blunt advice during an episode of his Club 520 podcast.
Teague said Simmons should walk away from the game: “You got fans over here, we’d love you to come sit down and talk cuz it’s over… he can’t move no more — he running like people on 2K… he legit hurt.”
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His comments come amid concerns around the league about Simmons’ diminished mobility and lingering health issues.
Ben Simmons is Considering Retirement, per New Report
Retirement speculation started gaining ground when Bondy revealed that Simmons is weighing whether to continue playing at all. Bondy noted that Simmons had drawn interest from the Knicks and another team but is unsure about returning next season. The narrative intensified further when veteran NBA reporter Marc Stein reported that Simmons no longer has an agent after Bernie Lee formally removed himself from the NBPA registry. Now, without representation, Simmons’ next move remains unclear as the NBA prepares to resume in October.
For all the doubts surrounding him now, Simmons’ résumé still includes notable accolades. Once dubbed a generational talent, he won Rookie of the Year in 2018, made three All-Star teams and twice earned All-Defensive First Team honors as a versatile point forward. Simmons helped the 76ers reach the playoffs four times, including the conference semifinals in 2021. Those peak years came with Philadelphia, where he was once projected to be a long-term star.
But his trajectory changed after a high-profile playoff exit in 2021 and subsequent stops in Brooklyn and Los Angeles were defined by absences and reduced production. Should Simmons decide to close the curtains, it will mark a disappointing end to a promising NBA career that spanned only seven seasons.
About the Author
Ayomide Adeduyite
Trending News Writer, Athlon Sports
Ayomide Adeduyite is a contributing writer for the Athlon Sports trending and breaking news team.