Ben Simmons Turned Down Knicks’ One-Year Minimum Offer
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Free-agent guard/forward Ben Simmons rejected a one-year veterans minimum contract from the New York Knicks earlier this offseason, according to Marc Stein of The Stein Line.
Stein reported that Simmons, 29, is seeking a deal above the league minimum. The Boston Celtics also explored adding the former No. 1 overall pick but were similarly limited to a minimum offer because of salary-apron restrictions.
Simmons once headlined franchise-building plans—he won Rookie of the Year in 2018, earned three All-Star selections and finished second in Defensive Player of the Year voting in 2021. A series of back surgeries and a shrinking offensive role have since altered that trajectory. His field-goal attempts per 36 minutes have dropped every season, sliding from 13.2 as a rookie to 7.2 in 2023-24.
Last season, the 6-foot-10 playmaker split time between the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Clippers, averaging 5.0 points, 5.6 assists and 4.7 rebounds across 51 games.
Agent Bernie Lee ended his representation of Simmons last week, leaving the three-time All-Star to navigate free agency on his own. One unnamed team executive told Hoops Wire he doubts Simmons will appear in the NBA again, citing multiple factors working against a comeback.
With training camps approaching, Simmons remains unsigned while potential suitors appear unwilling—or unable—to offer more than the veteran minimum.
Source: Hoops Wire
