NBA player Ben Simmons mulling over potential retirement amidst talks linking him to the New York Knicks
Ben Simmons, the enigmatic Australian basketball star, finds himself at a crossroads as he ponders his future in the NBA ahead of the 2025-26 season. The New York Knicks and Boston Celtics have emerged as the teams most seriously considering Simmons as a potential recruit, although his decision remains uncertain.
The Knicks, who are set to open training camp on Wednesday, Sept. 24, offered Simmons a one-year minimum contract, an opportunity he declined. The Celtics, on the other hand, have shown interest, but their chances seem limited following the addition of other players.
Simmons' NBA journey began when he was selected No. 1 overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2016 draft. After a successful stint with the 76ers, where he received three All-Star selections, two All-Defensive nods, and one All-NBA Third-Team honor, he was traded to the Brooklyn Nets in Sept. 2022.
However, Simmons' tenure with the Nets was marred by injuries and contract issues. He appeared in just 33 games (24 starts) with the team before his contract was bought out. After his departure from the Nets, Simmons signed with the Los Angeles Clippers and played in 18 games off the bench.
Simmons' health concerns resurfaced near the end of the 2023-24 season when he underwent a second procedure on his back. Despite these setbacks, he managed to average 5.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and 22 minutes per contest in 51 games split between the Nets and Clippers.
The New York Knicks have shown strong interest in signing Simmons, with reports suggesting that he is expected to sign a minimum deal with the team. The teams that have expressed interest in Simmons also include the Suns, Sacramento Kings, and one other team, although as of the late offseason, only the Knicks and this unnamed team remain interested.
Stefan Bondy of the New York Post reported this information, adding that Marc Stein noted in July that Simmons had drawn interest from three teams. As the NBA season approaches, basketball fans eagerly await Simmons' decision, which could potentially reshape the league's landscape.
