With NBA training camps fast approaching, veteran guards Ben Simmons and Russell Westbrook have yet to secure contracts, leaving open the possibility that both could be without teams when camps open.
Simmons, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2016 draft, and Westbrook, a former league MVP and likely Hall of Famer, are two of the most prominent names still on the free-agent market. League sources told Hoops Wire that each player is seeking more than the standard veteran minimum salary, a stance that has cooled interest so far.
One NBA scout interviewed by the outlet believes both players can still contribute but only on minimum deals, noting that their current skill sets are more limited than in past seasons. A second scout added that teams can find younger, less expensive options who offer similar production, especially given concerns about Simmons’s shortcomings and Westbrook’s age.
Front-office observers cited in the report expect Simmons and Westbrook to sign eventually, though some believe agreements may not materialize until December or January if their salary expectations remain unchanged. For now, neither player appears to be drawing urgent interest as franchises finalize training-camp rosters.
Source: Hoops Wire
