Ben Simmons could retire instead of signing with new team

Ben Simmons is only 29, but there is real doubt he will play another NBA game.

According to Stefan Bondy of the New York Post, Simmons has yet to sign anywhere and is “unsure if he wants to continue” his career. The Knicks have shown interest but can only offer a veteran minimum contract worth a little more than $3 million.

That might not be enough to convince Simmons, who has already made more than $200 million and has undergone multiple back surgeries.

New York is also looking at other names. Bondy reports the Knicks have interest in Landry Shamet and at least one other free agent, while Malik Beasley’s status remains cloudy as he waits out a federal gambling probe.

As for Simmons, he split last season between Brooklyn and the Clippers. He played 51 games, averaging 5.0 points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.6 assists.

That was the most games he logged since 2020-21, which also happened to be his last All-Star season.

Bondy notes there is at least one other team with interest, though it’s not clear who. The Kings and Warriors have both been floated as possibilities, and each has an open roster spot.

So the question is simple. Does Simmons want to play at all, or is this the end?