Ben Simmons, an unrestricted free agent, is actively exploring potential teams for the upcoming 2025-26 NBA season, with the New York Knicks and Sacramento Kings emerging as primary contenders for his signing. The focus on these two teams revolves around their specific roster needs, as well as Simmons’s ongoing efforts to reestablish his career following recent injury setbacks.
Interest from Sacramento Kings and New York Knicks
According to Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer, both the Sacramento Kings and New York Knicks remain in discussions as possible landing spots for Simmons. The Kings are looking to reinforce their backcourt after trading away star guard De’Aaron Fox, while the Knicks continue to build around first-year head coach Mike Brown by adding veteran players.
For Ben Simmons, the two teams we’re hearing for him still are Sacramento and New York,
Fischer stated during a livestream.
We are still anticipating the Kings to be bringing in another veteran guard, and Ben Simmons is on that list of potential targets in addition to Russell Westbrook, to Malcolm Brogdon.
—Jake Fischer, Bleacher Report Analyst
Career Challenges and Recent Performance
Simmons joined the Los Angeles Clippers in February on a buyout, following an injury-marred and disappointing tenure with the Brooklyn Nets. His career struggles intensified after a significant trade moved him from the Philadelphia 76ers to the Nets in early 2022. While with Brooklyn, Simmons was hampered by back issues that limited him to only 90 games across three seasons.
Last March, Simmons underwent a microscopic partial discectomy, a procedure that appeared to ease his back problems. This allowed him to participate in 33 games during the most recent season, during which he averaged 6.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 6.9 assists per game, shooting an efficient 54.7% from the field.
Roster Moves and Cap Flexibility Affecting Simmons’s Prospects
The Kings recently signed Dennis Schroder to a three-year contract, hoping he can take over as their primary point guard after trading De’Aaron Fox to the San Antonio Spurs. This move indicates the team’s ongoing search for reliable veteran guards, positioning Simmons as a potential candidate.
Meanwhile, the Knicks continue to evaluate their salary cap situation carefully. Insider Ian Begley from SNY reported that New York has room for a veteran minimum player and could sign Simmons without triggering the salary cap’s second apron. This approach would allow them to add a rookie contract as well.
Potential Role and Future Outlook
Ben Simmons, a two-time All-Defensive Team selectee and the 2016 NBA Rookie of the Year, has seen his influence diminish, mainly due to injuries since the 2020-21 season. With limited high-profile free agents remaining, teams are likely to consider Simmons as a cost-effective option for depth.
Any franchise willing to acquire Simmons must weigh the risks associated with his health but may benefit if he returns to form as a capable playmaker off the bench. His ability to distribute the ball and contribute defensively remains an attractive asset for teams seeking veteran support without heavy financial commitments.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Did Ben Simmons date a Kardashian?
A. Kendall Jenner and Ben Simmons began dating in May 2018, but their relationship ended by September of the same year.
Q. Why was Ben Simmons suspended?
A. The Philadelphia 76ers have suspended their star point guard, Ben Simmons, for one game due to behavior harmful to the team. Therefore, Simmons will miss the season opener against New Orleans on Wednesday at 8 PM Eastern Time.
Q. Why did Kendall Jenner leave Ben Simmons?
A. According to our Kardashian archives, Kim and Brandon kissed when they were around 11 and 12 years old. At that time, Kris and Bruce were dating but not yet married. The kiss happened during a game of Truth or Dare and was just a quick peck.
Q. What is Ben Simmons diagnosed with?
A. On March 24, the Nets shared that Simmons had a nerve problem in his back and would be out for an unknown period.