The Boston Celtics and New York Knicks showed the strongest interest in unrestricted free agent Ben Simmons during the summer, according to multiple league insiders.
Veteran reporter Marc Stein said the Knicks extended a one-year offer that Simmons ultimately declined. New York, restricted by salary-cap limitations, could only put a minimum contract on the table, while the 29-year-old guard hoped to secure a deal above that threshold after splitting last season between the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Clippers.
Stein added that both Boston and New York were “the most serious” pursuers of the former No. 1 overall pick. The Celtics, already near the cap, would also be limited to a minimum-salary proposal if they decide to formalize their interest.
Earlier reports from Jake Fischer indicated Simmons does not view himself as a minimum-salary player, even though he accepted a rest-of-season minimum contract with the Clippers in February.
Future in Question
The latest developments come shortly after agent Bernie Lee and Simmons parted ways and as the three-time All-Star weighs whether to continue his NBA career, league sources said.
Additional Suitors Discussed
Stein previously reported in July that four teams had contacted Simmons. Along with Boston and New York, the Phoenix Suns and Sacramento Kings were also mentioned as holding conversations with the 6-foot-10 playmaker.
Recent Injury History
Simmons, the 2018 Rookie of the Year and the 2021 Defensive Player of the Year runner-up, missed the entire 2021-22 campaign due to a contract holdout and a back injury that later required surgery. Philadelphia traded him to Brooklyn in September 2022, but recurring back issues limited him to 57 total appearances over two seasons with the Nets and led to a second procedure near the end of the 2023-24 schedule.
Last Season’s Numbers
Before joining the Clippers, Brooklyn bought out the remaining years of the five-year maximum rookie extension Simmons signed in 2019. He went on to play 51 games combined for the Nets and Clippers, averaging 5.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, 5.6 assists and 22.0 minutes while shooting 52.0% from the floor and 72.7% at the free-throw line.
No agreement is imminent, but both the Celtics and Knicks could still revisit discussions with Simmons as training camps approach.
Source: Basketball Insiders
