As the 2025-26 NBA season approaches, three-time All-Star Ben Simmons, 29, remains a prominent free agent. While the New York Knicks and another NBA team have shown interest, a recent report from the New York Post indicates Simmons is contemplating whether to continue his NBA career.
Simmons, the 2016 No. 1 overall pick by the Philadelphia 76ers, has experienced a career marked by both significant highs and recent challenges. He was named Rookie of the Year, earned three consecutive All-Star selections from 2019 to 2021, and twice received first-team All-Defense honors. However, his career has been significantly hampered by injuries and an acrimonious departure from the 76ers, limiting him to just 108 games over the last four seasons. During his recent stints with the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Clippers, he played 51 games, averaging 5.0 points, 5.6 assists, and 4.7 rebounds in 22 minutes per contest.
Last February, Simmons was bought out by the Brooklyn Nets before joining the Clippers for the rest of the season. After 18 regular-season games, he featured in five playoff games for the Clippers, averaging 8.4 minutes, during their first-round series loss to the Nuggets.
Reports from NBA insider Marc Stein in July indicated interest from the Boston Celtics, Phoenix Suns, and Sacramento Kings, alongside the Knicks, though no concrete developments have followed.
Should the Knicks sign Simmons, it`s widely expected to be in a reserve capacity. New York recently concluded a successful season, reaching the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2000. Their busy offseason included replacing head coach Tom Thibodeau with Mike Brown, who previously coached the Kings, Cavaliers, and Lakers.
