Report: Ben Simmons passed on Knicks’ minimum offer

Ben Simmons had a chance to join the Knicks this offseason, but turned it down.

According to Marc Stein of The Stein Line, New York offered Simmons a one-year contract at the veteran’s minimum. Simmons declined, reportedly holding out hope for something more than a minimum deal.

At this stage, though, that may be all the market is willing to give. The Celtics also showed interest, Stein reports, but they too would be limited to a minimum offer because of apron restrictions.

Simmons, 29, was once considered a franchise cornerstone — Rookie of the Year in 2018, a three-time All-Star and the Defensive Player of the Year runner-up in 2021. But multiple back surgeries and a steady decline in offensive production have changed his trajectory.

His shot attempts per 36 minutes have dropped every season, from 13.2 as a rookie to just 7.2 last year.

He split the 2024-25 campaign between the Nets and Clippers, averaging 5.0 points, 5.6 assists and 4.7 rebounds in 51 games. Last week, Simmons’ longtime agent Bernie Lee formally cut ties with him, leaving the former No. 1 overall pick to weigh both his market and his future in the league.

One NBA team executive told Hoops Wire he believes Simmons is unlikely to play in the NBA again.

“I think his NBA career is over,” the exec said. “That’s not meant to disparage Ben. I think he can still play and probably help someone. But there are just too many things working against him right now. I know we would not have an interest in signing him.”

For now, Simmons remains unsigned, and training camps are fast approaching.