Ben Simmons recently rejected a one-year contract offer from the New York Knicks. Many thought this meant he knew exactly where he wanted to go. However, the reality appears different, as the 29-year-old doesn’t seem truly certain about his NBA future.
Simmons split his time between the Nets and Clippers last season. Now, after rejecting the Knicks’ deal, it seems the offer didn’t appeal to him, especially since he already secured massive wealth. Could he be planning to walk away from professional basketball?
A fading star
According to Essentiallysports, Ben Simmons entered the NBA in 2016 as the No. 1 Draft pick. He was once a promising figure in the league, but injuries completely altered his trajectory. Today, many see him as a star who is gradually fading.
Ben Simmons REJECTED a contract offer from the Knicks, per @TheSteinLine
“The Knicks, league sources said, indeed offered a one-year contract to Ben Simmons that the former All-Star passed on. New York is limited to minimum contract offers as training camps draw near and… pic.twitter.com/p44NgQricg— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) September 8, 2025
Stefan Bondy of the New York Post reported that Simmons earned around $200 million while sitting on the bench as a DNP. His silence about his next NBA move has fans speculating that he may be considering retirement.
He missed the 2021–22 season due to a back injury and mental blocks. His confidence vanished, and he became hesitant to take the shots that once defined his game. As a result, franchises lost interest in signing him.
Still, this summer, the Knicks, Kings, Suns, and Celtics all expressed interest in Simmons. Among them, only the Knicks remain engaged. Yet, the player wants more than the minimum deal. Combined with his lingering back injury, this could lead to an early retirement. His fans remain in suspense, wondering if he has already played his final NBA minutes.
