Ben Simmons has not generated much interest on the free-agent market this summer, but it would appear the former NBA Rookie of the Year is still being selective in choosing his next team.
Simmons recently turned down a one-year contract offer from the New York Knicks, according to NBA reporter Marc Stein.
Stein notes that the Knicks are limited to only offering veteran minimum contracts, and Simmons was at one point hopeful that he would be able to secure a more lucrative deal.
The Boston Celtics are the other team that has reportedly expressed significant interest in Simmons, though it is unclear if they made a formal offer.
Full Ben Simmons blurb from the always excellent @TheSteinLine (link to newsletter below)…
At this point, I'm not sure there's a Knick fan alive who'd actually want Simmons on the roster (even though, it seems, Leon Rose did). pic.twitter.com/ErO0MeytNe
— Jonathan Macri (@JCMacriNBA) September 8, 2025
A veteran minimum deal would pay Simmons around $4 million for the 2025-26 season. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst recently reported there might not be a team will be willing to offer Simmons a guaranteed contract.
Simmons, who was a three-time All-Star and a two-time All-Defensive selection early in his career, averaged 5.0 points. 4.7 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game combined between the Brooklyn Nets and the Los Angeles Clippers last season. He has played in 108 of a possible 328 games over the past four seasons, though legitimate back issues were a factor in that.
One recent report claimed the 29-year-old Simmons is considering retirement. It is possible that he does not want to continue his career badly enough to play under a veteran minimum — or worse yet non-guaranteed — contract. Simmons might be better off waiting to see if a need pops up for a team after the season begins.