Ben Simmons remains one of the most notable free agents this offseason after splitting last season between the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Clippers. With the Clippers only signing Simmons to a short-term contract following his buyout from Brooklyn, his availability has attracted interest from multiple teams, including the New York Knicks and Boston Celtics. However, the limited roster flexibility across the <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/basketball/nba/”>NBA has slowed progress in securing a deal for Simmons.
Challenges Facing Ben Simmons Amid NBA Roster Limitations
Ben Simmons is caught in a tight roster situation that affects many veteran players. According to ESPN analyst Bobby Marks, Simmons is part of a large group of nearly 75 players who ended the previous season on team rosters but have yet to be signed for the upcoming campaign. A significant factor is the influx of 41 rookie players selected in the recent draft who have filled guaranteed contract spots that historically might have gone to veterans like Simmons.
This shift has created a squeeze on available roster spots, especially since many teams prefer younger, cheaper players with guaranteed contracts. Marks noted,
“Simmons is in a numbers crunch. He is one of the nearly 75 players who finished the regular season on a roster but are still without a home for next season. The primary reason? It starts with the 41 players selected in the draft who signed first- and second-round contracts. Those players have replaced veterans, including Simmons, on rosters for next season.”
—Bobby Marks, ESPN Analyst
Along with the preference for rookie contracts, the NBA’s salary cap and luxury tax apron rules have complicated teams‘ ability to add experienced free agents. Marks added,
“Also, teams other than Golden State, for the most part, have completed their rosters for next season or cannot sign a player due to the apron. For example, the Lakers have an open roster spot but cannot sign a player until Jan. 18. Out of the 442 players under contract for next season, 393 are on guaranteed contracts (an average of 13.1 per team).”
—Bobby Marks, ESPN Analyst
Because many teams have maxed out roster spots with guaranteed deals or face cap restrictions, Simmons may need to wait for midseason openings or for teams like the Clippers and Lakers to gain more flexibility before signing. The landscape leaves limited options for Simmons, given teams are unlikely to waive younger players on guaranteed contracts for him at this time.
Why the New York Knicks Are Currently the Leading Candidate for Simmons
Among the teams linked to Simmons, the New York Knicks stand out as the most logical fit based on their roster needs and financial situation. The Knicks, who have added players like Guerschon Yabusele and Jordan Clarkson this offseason, seek additional frontcourt depth beyond Josh Hart, and Simmons brings the potential to contribute playmaking alongside these players.
Recent developments suggest the Boston Celtics have moved on from pursuing Simmons after signing Chris Boucher. A social media update from @PlayoffBOS stated,
“After the Celtics signed Chris Boucher, it looks like Ben Simmons is most likely off the table, per @BrettSiegelNBA This makes the Knicks the favorites.”
—@PlayoffBOS
Given Simmons’s current career phase, a minimal contract seems likely, which aligns with the Knicks’ interest in finding affordable, experienced players to support their rotation depth. Despite their offseason improvements, the Knicks continue to look for ways to bolster their bench, making Simmons a practical acquisition should financial and roster conditions permit.
Broader Implications of the Current Free Agency Landscape
The situation facing Ben Simmons highlights a broader trend in the NBA, where talented veterans are increasingly squeezed out by cost-effective rookies and strict roster limits. The league’s desire for expansion in the future partly stems from this issue, as many skilled players struggle to find spots despite their potential contributions.
For Simmons, the outlook depends largely on how teams manage their cap space and roster flexibility in the coming months. The window for him to join a competitive team could open during midseason roster adjustments, especially for clubs like the Lakers and Clippers that currently face tax apron limitations.
His free agency status underscores the complexities veteran players face in a league evolving toward younger, cost-controlled rosters, revealing challenges that extend beyond individual talent to encompass financial constraints and contract structures.