New Development Emerges on Ben Simmons’ Potential Retirement

Ben Simmons' Agent Makes Surprise Move During NBA Offseason

As Simmons considers his future, a major development surfaced this week. According to The Stein Line’s Marc Stein, Simmons’ longtime representative, Bernie Lee, has officially stepped down:

“As Ben Simmons decides his next career steps, I'm told Bernie Lee has notified @TheNBPA that he has formally removed himself from the union's ledger as Simmons' agent.”

This news comes just a day after the New York Post’s Stefan Bondy reported that Simmons is weighing retirement. Bondy wrote on Wednesday, “Ben Simmons has generated interest from the Knicks and another team but is also questioning whether he even wants to continue playing in the NBA next season.”

The departure of his agent adds more fuel to the fire, signaling that Simmons could be preparing to walk away from basketball entirely, even as teams like the New York Knicks remain open to a deal.

Ben Simmons Has Played Seven NBA Seasons

Selected by the Philadelphia 76ers with the No. 1 overall pick in 2016, Simmons was once viewed as one of the league’s brightest stars. He won Rookie of the Year, earned three All-Star selections, and was twice named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team. Known for his versatility, he had his peak year in the 2018-19 season, averaging career highs in points (16.9) and rebounds (8.8), while finishing the year with 7.7 assists.

However, a mix of playoff struggles, injuries and declining production stalled his rise. Simmons missed two full seasons due to health issues and never regained his All-Star form. Last year, he appeared in 51 games for Brooklyn and the Clippers, averaging just 5 points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.6 assists per game.

With more than $200 million in career earnings (per Spotrac), Simmons has both the résumé and financial security to retire, though the decision now rests entirely with him.