Ben Simmons Could Retire From NBA, New York Knicks Remain Interested

Ben Simmons could retire from the NBA, according to Stefan Bondy of the New York Post.

The New York Knicks remain interested in Simmons, who played for the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Clippers last season.

Simmons appeared in 33 games with the Nets in 2024-25 before getting bought out. The lefty signed with the Clippers and played in 18 games with them.

A three-time All-Star, Simmons averaged 5.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, 5.6 assists, 0.7 steals and 0.5 blocks with the Nets and Clippers in 2024-25 while shooting 52.0% from the field and 72.7% from the free-throw line. He had one double-double.

Simmons was once one of the top players in the NBA. He was the first pick in the 2016 draft by the Philadelphia 76ers and made three All-Star teams, two All-Defensive teams and one All-NBA team with the Sixers.

However, everything changed in the 2021 playoffs. Simmons lost confidence offensively and dealt with mental health issues. He requested a trade from the Sixers in 2021-22 and was traded to the Nets for James Harden.

Simmons missed the entire 2021-22 season due to mental health and back issues. He has career averages of 13.1 points, 7.4 rebounds, 7.2 assists, 1.5 steals and 0.7 blocks with the Sixers, Nets and Clippers.

It will be fascinating to see if Simmons plays next season. His agent is Bernie Lee. The Knicks have been in touch with Lee and Simmons, sources told DallasHoopsJournal.

New York lost to the Indiana Pacers in the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals in six games. Tom Thibodeau was shockingly fired as head coach and replaced by Mike Brown, who was fired by the Sacramento Kings last season.