Ben Simmons has turned down a one-year contract offer from the New York Knicks, according to NBA insider Marc Stein. The 29-year-old former All-Star is facing an uncertain future in the league, and some sources are suggesting that Simmons could be contemplating retirement.
The Knicks extended a one-year deal to Simmons, but with training camps approaching and New York limited to offering minimum contracts, Simmons opted not to accept it. Stein reports that Simmons, after a tumultuous season split between the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Clippers, had hoped for a deal above the minimum. Sources also noted that Boston and New York showed the most serious interest in Simmons this summer.
Complicating matters further, Simmons no longer has an agent, after Bernie Lee dropped him as a client. This further indicates the uncertainty surrounding Simmons‘ future in the league.
Simmons’ Struggles and Career Decline
Once considered one of the brightest stars in the NBA, Simmons’ career has taken a dramatic turn since his days with the Philadelphia 76ers. After being drafted first overall in the 2016 NBA Draft, he became a three-time All-Star, a two-time All-Defensive selection, and an All-NBA player. But his decline began during the 2021 playoffs, where a loss of offensive confidence and mental health struggles caused his game to unravel. He eventually requested a trade from the 76ers, which led to his move to the Nets in 2022, in a deal that sent James Harden to Philadelphia.
Simmons missed the entire 2021-22 season due to mental health issues and back problems. Since then, his play has not been the same, and last season he averaged 5.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, 5.6 assists, 0.7 steals, and 0.5 blocks while shooting 52.0% from the field and 72.7% from the free-throw line, playing for both the Nets and Clippers. He had just one double-double in the 2024-25 season.
The Knicks’ Offseason and Coaching Change
The New York Knicks were a top team in the Eastern Conference last season, but after falling to the Indiana Pacers in the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals, they made significant changes, including the surprising firing of head coach Tom Thibodeau. Mike Brown, previously let go by the Sacramento Kings, was hired as his replacement.
As Simmons continues to contemplate his next steps, the future of his NBA career remains unclear. With the Knicks looking to strengthen their roster and Simmons facing mounting challenges, it remains to be seen if he will find a new home or step away from the game entirely.
