Ben Simmons’ NBA Future in Doubt as Executive Says Career “Is Over”
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An NBA executive told Hoops Wire he believes Ben Simmons has played his final game in the league, with training camps only weeks away and the 29-year-old guard still unsigned.
“I think his NBA career is over,” the executive 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.”
Simmons split the 2023-24 season between the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Clippers after a midseason buyout. He appeared in 51 games—his highest total since 2020-21—averaging 5.0 points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.6 assists while shooting 52 percent from the field.
Despite the increased availability, league-wide interest has dwindled. Simmons recently parted ways with agent Bernie Lee, leaving him to navigate free agency without representation. Multiple scouts told Hoops Wire that few teams are seriously considering him.
“I don’t think there’s any real interest in him beyond teams putting out some feelers,” one scout said. “So if he does retire, he can spin it as if it’s being done by choice. But I think teams are probably going to make that decision for him.”
Another scout suggested Simmons might secure a non-guaranteed training-camp invite, though even that role would be limited. “He could still offer defense, ballhandling and decent reserve guard play to a contender,” the scout noted. “But it would have to be the right situation, and he’d need to understand he may not play more than 10 minutes some nights.”
For now, Simmons remains in limbo. He has been loosely linked to the New York Knicks, Sacramento Kings and Golden State Warriors, but no formal offers have surfaced. As one executive summarized, “the ship has sailed.”
Source: Hoops Wire
