From NBA Draft #1 pick to unsigned: the incredible downfall of this once-promising star who’s considering retirement

Ben Simmons (6’10 », 29 years old) continues to search for a new team just weeks before NBA training camps open. According to Marc Stein of The Stein Line, the New York Knicks offered a one-year contract to the Australian, but he declined the offer.

Ben Simmons REJECTED a contract offer from the Knicks, per @TheSteinLine

« The Knicks, league sources said, indeed offered a one-year contract to Ben Simmons that the former All-Star passed on. New York is limited to minimum contract offers as training camps draw near and… pic.twitter.com/p44NgQricg

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) September 8, 2025

The journalist specifies that Simmons « entered the summer hoping to secure an above-minimum contract » and that the Knicks and Boston Celtics « showed the most serious interest in Simmons this summer. »

A complex contractual situation for the former Nets player

Simmons’ situation is further complicated by the recent departure of his agent Bernie Lee, who has « officially withdrawn from the NBPA registry as Simmons’ agent » according to Stein. This separation comes as the former Brooklyn Nets player struggles to find interest in the free agent market.

Stefan Bondy of the New York Post recently reported that Simmons « is questioning whether he wants to continue playing in the NBA next season. » Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report added during a livestream: « For any player who was making max money… it’s difficult to accept being a veteran minimum player. And that’s exactly where Ben Simmons is right now. »

Fischer also revealed surprising information about a possible reunion with the Philadelphia 76ers: « There were some openings, I would say, between Ben Simmons and the Sixers once he got his buyout from Brooklyn. He still has some friends in the area. I believe his brother was living in Philadelphia for a while. »

Performance decline over five years

Simmons’ statistics partly explain teams’ reluctance to offer more than a minimum contract. It’s been five years since the Australian played at an All-Star level. After missing the entire 2021-2022 season due to his conflict with Philadelphia and a back injury, he has only played 108 games over the last three seasons combined.

During this period, Simmons averaged only 5.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 5.8 assists in 23.9 minutes per game. He also shot just 52.4% from the free-throw line and attempted only two three-pointers, both during the 2022-2023 season. This lack of shooting improvement severely limits his offensive impact and makes him a player teams can largely ignore on offense.

The Knicks, limited to minimum contract offers, now appear to be looking at other options to complete their roster, leaving Simmons uncertain about his NBA future. The player has reportedly considered retirement at just 29 years old.