One step closer to retirement? Simmons has declined the Knicks' one-year deal: unwilling to play for minimum salary

On September 9th Beijing time, reporter Stein revealed that the New York Knicks proposed a one-year contract to free agent guard Ben Simmons during this offseason, but the player rejected the offer.

Because the Knicks’ salary space is close to the hard salary cap, they are unable to offer any free agent a contract exceeding the veteran minimum; therefore, the offer to Simmons was definitely at the minimum salary. Stein noted that the 2016 top draft pick still hopes to sign a deal paying above the minimum.

The 29-year-old Simmons was named NBA Rookie of the Year in 2018, selected to the All-Star team for three consecutive years from 2019 to 2021, and finished second in Defensive Player of the Year voting in 2021. Early in his career, he was one of the league’s top passers and defenders. In 2019, he signed a maximum rookie extension with the Philadelphia 76ers (effective from the 2020-21 to 2024-25 seasons), but in February this year, he reached a buyout agreement with the Brooklyn Nets and then signed a short-term contract with the Los Angeles Clippers to play the remainder of the 2024-25 season.

In recent years, multiple back surgeries have impacted Simmons’ performance; even when healthy, his offensive numbers have dropped significantly. Although Simmons has never been known for shooting, the former LSU star was willing to attempt more shots early in his career. His shots per 36 minutes have steadily declined throughout his NBA tenure: from 13.2 attempts in the 2017-18 season down to 7.2 in the 2024-25 season.

Previously, reporter Fischer reported that although Simmons accepted the Clippers’ minimum salary contract for the remainder of the season in February, he still seems to struggle with being labeled a “minimum salary player.” Recent reports indicate that Simmons’ agent Bernie Lee has parted ways with him, and this three-time All-Star has not yet fully decided whether to continue his professional career.

Stein stated that the Knicks and the Boston Celtics showed the strongest interest in Simmons this summer. However, since the Celtics’ payroll is also near the luxury tax threshold, they are likely only able to offer Simmons a minimum salary contract. If Simmons firmly refuses a minimum deal, retirement might be drawing even closer.