Ben Simmons, once hailed as the future of the NBA, now finds himself at a career crossroads. The former No. 1 overall pick and three-time All-Star has reportedly drawn interest from the New York Knicks and another unnamed team, but sources close to the situation say Simmons is questioning whether he wants to continue playing in the league at all.
Simmons’ early years were electric. After being drafted first overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2016, he quickly made his mark, winning Rookie of the Year and earning All-Star nods from 2019 to 2021. His unique blend of size, athleticism, and playmaking made him one of the most versatile defenders in the game.
But the past few seasons have been marred by injuries, mental health struggles, and public scrutiny. Simmons missed the entire 2021–22 season due to a holdout and back injury that required surgery. His infamous decision to pass up a wide-open dunk in Game 7 of the 2021 playoffs became a turning point, leading to a fractured relationship with the Sixers and a trade to Brooklyn.
Since then, Simmons has struggled to regain form. He appeared in just 57 games over two seasons with the Nets before being bought out and signing with the Clippers, where he played limited minutes and posted career-low stats.
Despite his decline, the Knicks see potential. With a roster already stacked with stars like Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, New York is reportedly considering Simmons for a backup point guard role. His defensive versatility and ability to facilitate could offer valuable depth, if he’s healthy and committed.
The Knicks are said to be exploring a veteran-minimum deal, a low-risk move for a player who once commanded max contracts. But Simmons’ hesitation about continuing his career casts a shadow over any potential signing.
Sources suggest Simmons is sending signals that he may not want to play at all next season. With over $200 million in career earnings and a body that’s endured multiple surgeries, the 29-year-old may be weighing the toll of the game against his long-term well-being.
This isn’t just a roster decision, it’s a personal reckoning. Simmons’ journey reflects the broader challenges athletes face in balancing performance, health, and identity. The pressure to live up to early promise can be relentless, and for Simmons, the question may no longer be “where will he play?” but “does he want to play at all?”
Training camp looms, and the Knicks are keeping their options open. Other candidates like Malcolm Brogdon and Landry Shamet are reportedly on their radar. Simmons, meanwhile, remains a free agent with a decision to make.
Whether he chooses to revive his career in New York or walk away from the game, Simmons’ next move will be one of the most closely watched stories of the offseason. For a player who once seemed destined for greatness, the future is now uncertain, but not without possibility.
