NEW YORK — Ben Simmons, the former No. 1 overall pick, navigates a pivotal moment in his NBA career as an unrestricted free agent in 2025. The 29-year-old Australian, once heralded as a generational talent, seeks a new team after a career marked by brilliance, controversy, and injury setbacks.
Simmons’ next move could reshape his legacy and offer a contending team a unique, if risky, asset. Simmons burst onto the NBA scene with the Philadelphia 76ers in 2016, showcasing elite playmaking and defensive versatility.
Standing at 6-foot-10 with a 7-foot wingspan, he averaged 15.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.7 assists over his first four seasons, earning three All-Star nods and a 2018 Rookie of the Year award. His ability to guard multiple positions and orchestrate fast breaks drew comparisons to LeBron James. However, his refusal to shoot from distance and a high-profile playoff collapse in 2021 against Atlanta sparked scrutiny, leading to a trade demand and a lost 2021-22 season due to mental health concerns and fines exceeding $10 million.
Traded to the Brooklyn Nets in 2022 for James Harden, Simmons struggled with back injuries, playing only 90 games over three seasons. A midseason buyout in 2025 sent him to the Los Angeles Clippers, where he averaged 5.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.6 assists in 51 games split between the Nets and Clippers.
Simmons’ playoff role diminished, logging just 8.4 minutes per game in a first-round loss to Denver. Despite reduced production, Simmons’ defensive prowess and passing ability remain tantalizing for teams seeking a low-cost, high-upside addition.
New York Knicks:
Several teams have emerged as potential suitors for Simmons’ talents. The New York Knicks, fresh off an Eastern Conference Finals run, view Simmons as a potential bench playmaker behind Jalen Brunson. The NBA veteran’s size and defensive flexibility could bolster their physical identity, though his fit alongside non-shooting bigs like Mitchell Robinson raises concerns.
Sacramento Kings:
The Sacramento Kings, aiming to deepen their backcourt, see Simmons as a pass-first option to complement Zach LaVine and Domantas Sabonis.
Boston Celtics:
The Boston Celtics, in a gap year awaiting Jayson Tatum’s return, consider him a low-risk flyer for second-unit facilitation and defense. The Phoenix Suns also linger as a possibility, eyeing his ability to set up Devin Booker and Jalen Green without needing to score.
Teams eyeing Simmons likely prioritize his versatility over his diminished scoring. His 96th percentile defensive positional versatility, per BBall Index, allows him to guard guards, wings, and centers, making him a matchup weapon in playoff scenarios. Offensively, his passing and screening—92nd percentile in screening talent—fit teams with strong shooters.
A veteran’s minimum deal, projected at $3.1 million, minimizes financial risk for contenders.
However, Simmons’ injury history and reluctance to shoot remain red flags. His 31st percentile rim finishing last season and zero three-point attempts in 2025 highlight offensive limitations. Teams must weigh whether his playmaking and defense outweigh his inconsistent availability and fit issues.
As Simmons nears a decision, his choice could hinge on finding a system that maximizes his strengths while masking his flaws. For a player once dubbed the next LeBron, the 2025-26 season offers a chance to reclaim his narrative—or fade further into the NBA’s margins.
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