NBA Notes: Knicks, Ben Simmons, Nets, Ziaire Williams, Raptors

The Ben Simmons story keeps taking new turns.

After reports surfaced that the former No. 1 pick had no interest in a Knicks deal and no longer has an agent, the New York Post’s Stefan Bondy tied the two together. A source told Bondy that Simmons’ agent, Bernie Lee, dropped him after Simmons “sent signals that he wasn’t interested in whatever came from his agent’s conversations with the Knicks.”

It’s the latest twist for the 29-year-old, who has already been linked to New York and Boston this offseason but remains unsigned.

As we’ve written before, Simmons’ future is murky at best. He’s a three-time All-Star, but injuries and a dramatic decline in production have left his career in limbo.

One NBA team executive went as far as telling Hoops Wire that Simmons’ career is likely over.

Nets’ Williams waives veto: Ziaire Williams won’t have veto power if the Nets decide to trade him. Per Keith Smith of Spotrac, Williams waived his right to block a trade as part of his new two-year deal, which includes a team option for 2026-27.

Normally, such contracts carry an implicit no-trade clause, but Brooklyn has made it a priority to retain flexibility. Williams and Day’Ron Sharpe both gave up that protection, while Cam Thomas took a different path — accepting his qualifying offer instead, giving himself more say in his future.

Raptors waive Key: The Raptors have signed and waived guard Tyreke Key, according to Blake Murphy of Sportsnet.ca.

Key, who went undrafted out of Tennessee in 2023, spent last season with Raptors 905 and averaged 6.8 points in 42 G League appearances. The Exhibit 10 maneuver allows Toronto to give him a bonus of up to $85,300 if he rejoins the 905 and sticks around for 60 days.