Russell Westbrook and Ben Simmons remain unsigned! Reports reveal neither willing to accept minimum salary; may be overlooked before training camp.

On September 1st, Beijing time, renowned reporter Sam Amico revealed that Ben Simmons and Russell Westbrook may remain unsigned before the NBA training camp starts, which seems rather odd. Keep in mind, Simmons was a top draft pick, and Westbrook is destined for the Hall of Fame. Still, many question whether these two players have room in the current NBA landscape.

Consider this: Simmons without a team? Westbrook unable to find a “basketball home”? Every professional athlete eventually realizes their career is nearing its end. For Simmons and Westbrook, perhaps that moment has arrived.

Amico expressed skepticism about this but acknowledged it is not impossible.

“I respect both players and believe they can contribute to a team,” an NBA scout said in an interview, “but honestly, the best they can get right now is a minimum salary contract. Their options are very limited these days.”

However, both Simmons and Westbrook want salaries higher than the veteran minimum. This may explain why they remain unsigned as training camp approaches.

“Keep in mind, it’s no longer 2017 or 2019,” another scout commented, “Even if Westbrook or Simmons end up unsigned, it’s not a big deal. Teams can find younger players with similar styles at a lower cost. This isn’t personal, but everyone ages; plus Simmons has some significant, hard-to-fix flaws. So why not give others a chance?”

Amico believes Westbrook and Simmons won’t remain unsigned until December or January of the following year.

“But signing might indeed take that long,” the NBA scout added, “Clearly, no team is rushing to sign either of them right now, and I fully understand that mindset.”

Last season, Westbrook played 75 regular-season games for the Nuggets, averaging 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, 6.1 assists, and 1.4 steals, with a shooting percentage of 44.9% and a three-point rate of 32.3%. Simmons appeared in 51 games combined for the Nets and Clippers, averaging 5.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and shooting 52% from the field.