Ben Simmons gives one-word answer to retirement question

If Simmons intends to continue playing, then he is likely waiting on the right opportunity to emerge. Therefore, we may not see him back on the court until later in the season. At least then, any team he joins will have a clear need for the skill set he provides.

Simmons turned down the New York Knicks

According to NBA insider Marc Stein, Simmons has rejected a one-year deal from the New York Knicks.

"The Knicks, league sources said, indeed offered a one-year contract to Ben Simmons that the former All-Star passed on," Stein reported.

New York has since pivoted to add Malcolm Brogdon. However, Simmons likely felt that he would struggle for a sizeable role within Mike Brown's rotation. If he's ever going to get back to the player he once was, he needs minutes, and more importantly, freedom to explore his game. 

New York likely wasn't the right fit for Simmons. Whether he deems another NBA team to be a better opportunity will remain to be seen. But, for now, one thing is clear: Simmons isn't planning on going anywhere, at least not by choice.