Ben Simmons’ Contract Search
Ben Simmons is actively in search of a contract as the NBA season approaches, despite ongoing questions regarding his commitment to continue his basketball career. Recently, Simmons addressed speculation about retirement directly on social media, firmly indicating, “No, that’s not true,” assuaging concerns over his intentions to leave the game.
Current Status and Team Interest
Currently, Simmons finds himself without a contract and might face a longer wait than anticipated, possibly extending into the season. He had initial discussions with the New York Knicks about a potential deal; however, the Knicks later denied reports of an official offer after signing players Landry Shamet and Malcom Brogdon, which suggests they are moving in another direction.
Furthermore, Simmons also explored opportunities with the Boston Celtics, but negotiations didn’t advance significantly. He is aiming for a contract that exceeds the veteran minimum of $3.2 million, yet teams may hesitate to extend such an offer, and it seems more likely that any potential contracts could be partially guaranteed or contingent upon his performance.
Performance Overview
Last season, Simmons played for the Brooklyn Nets at the start but spent a significant portion with the Los Angeles Clippers, where he participated in 18 games as a backup. While his statistics—averaging only 2.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.1 assists in just under 17 minutes per game—were not impressive, he did exhibit commendable defensive skills and the ability to facilitate offense at times, even if his inability to shoot beyond the paint hindered his overall contribution.
Looking Ahead
As teams gear up for training camps and confront potential injuries, Simmons may find that offers to fulfill a bench role could emerge. For now, he remains on the lookout for opportunities, and fans can rest assured he is not considering retirement anytime soon.
