Did Ben Simmons badly misread his NBA value when he rejected the New York Knicks?
Nearly a year after turning down the possibility of joining New York on a veteran-minimum contract, the Australian is attempting to launch an NBA comeback—but the type of guaranteed deal he once wanted appears further away than ever.
According to BasketNews’ report, Simmons is now facing the difficult reality that interested teams may only be willing to offer him a training-camp invitation or another minimum contract.
That represents a dramatic fall for a player who earned three All-Star selections and once appeared destined to become one of the NBA’s most complete superstars.
The Knicks offer remains disputed
Simmons was widely reported to have rejected a one-year offer from the Knicks before the 2025-26 season because he hoped to secure more than the veteran minimum.
NBA insider Marc Stein reported that New York had offered Simmons a contract, believed to be worth approximately US$3.2 million.
However, reporters covering the Knicks—including SNY’s Ian Begley—subsequently reported that the club never made a formal offer.
The most accurate conclusion is that New York and Simmons’ representatives discussed a potential minimum contract, but Simmons signalled that he was not interested before a formal agreement was placed in front of him.
The distinction matters, but the outcome does not: Simmons declined the opportunity to pursue a minimum deal with the Knicks and remained unsigned.
His agent at the time, Bernie Lee, later removed himself as Simmons’ representative. Simmons subsequently sat out the entire 2025-26 NBA season.
The Knicks, meanwhile, went on to win the 2026 NBA championship.
Simmons is now open to the deal he rejected
The cruel part of Simmons’ situation is that he is reportedly prepared to accept the type of contract he resisted a year ago.
The 30-year-old is understood to be open to signing for the veteran minimum as he works towards returning to the NBA. Several teams have reportedly expressed interest, although no guaranteed contract has been confirmed.
At least one Western Conference team is believed to have discussed a training-camp invitation.
That would give Simmons an opportunity, but little security. A camp deal could require him to compete for the final position on a roster against younger and less expensive players.
For someone who earned more than US$200 million during his first NBA run, it is an extraordinary reversal.
Simmons’ reputation and previous salary will not earn him another guaranteed place. Teams now want evidence that his body can withstand an NBA schedule and that he is willing to accept a limited role.
A year away may have been necessary
Turning down New York looks like a poor career decision in hindsight, particularly after the Knicks won the championship. However, Simmons insists his year away from basketball was necessary.
The former No.1 draft pick has undergone multiple procedures to address the back and nerve problems that derailed his career.
“I needed to get away, and have some space, and just find myself again,” Simmons told Men’s Health.
Simmons revealed that his back pain had previously become so severe that he struggled to walk comfortably.
“What if I wanna take some time for myself and put myself in the best position to play again?” he said.
“If it doesn’t work, it doesn’t work. But this is what feels right.”
From that perspective, signing with the Knicks may not have mattered. If Simmons was not physically or mentally prepared to play, accepting the contract could simply have produced another disappointing season.
The decision can therefore be viewed in two ways: it cost him the chance to join the eventual champions, but it may also have given him the time required to recover properly.
Boomers camp offers chance to prove fitness
Simmons is expected to train with the Australian Boomers at a week-long mini-camp in Melbourne.
Reports indicate he will participate without restrictions and has covered his own expenses to attend. Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels are also expected to be involved.
The camp will provide Simmons with an opportunity to demonstrate his fitness in a competitive environment while rebuilding his relationship with the Australian program.
Simmons has not represented the senior national team since the 2013 FIBA Oceania Championship, despite previously expressing interest in several major tournaments.
He now hopes to place himself in contention for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Before that can happen, however, he must prove he still belongs in the NBA.
Simmons still believes he can contribute
Simmons last appeared in the NBA during the 2024-25 season, splitting 51 games between the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Clippers.
He averaged 5.0 points, 5.6 assists and 4.7 rebounds in approximately 22 minutes per game. Those figures were far removed from his All-Star peak, but his size, passing and defensive versatility could still help a team if his body holds up.
“When I’m out there, I make everybody better,” Simmons said.
“I play defence. I get offensive rebounds.”
He has also floated Philadelphia and Miami as possible destinations.
“Maybe I’ll go back to Philly,” Simmons said.
“Miami would be nice. And not because it’s Miami—I like Erik Spoelstra, I like the Heat, I like their organisation, I like the culture.”
Those teams have not been confirmed as offering him a contract.
For now, Simmons’ preferred destination is far less important than convincing any NBA team to give him another chance.
Rejecting the Knicks may have cost him a championship ring and a valuable opportunity to rebuild his reputation. Twelve months later, the three-time All-Star must prove he is ready to accept a smaller salary, a smaller role and considerably lower expectations.
His talent may earn him one more look. His health and attitude will determine whether it becomes a genuine comeback.
