4
Nov
Free Agency
Enigmatic Simmons ranked No.2 NBA free agent
Ben Simmons #25 of the LA Clippers looks on during Round One, Game Four of the 2025 NBA Playoffs against the Denver Nuggets on April 26, 2025 at Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty Images
Could a team facing early struggles or injury issues be interested in Aussie Ben Simmons?
- The Ballard of Aussie Benjamin David Simmons
- Could 'Ballard of Ben' join Joe Ingles and Rocco Zikarsky?
- Ben Simmons faces NBA free agency reality: minimum contract, no guaranteed starting role.
We may not have seen the best of Ben Simmons for several years but that doesn't mean he can't make an impact in the NBA this season with the Bleacher Report ranking the enigmatic Australian as the No.2 free agent on the market.
Simmons, who rose to fame at the Philadelphia 76ers after being selected first in the 2016 NBA Draft, is still unsigned following a short stint with the Los Angeles Clippers at the end of last season where he played a role off the bench for Ty Lue's team. That stint came after the Brooklyn Nets waived Simmons, ending their unsuccessful partnership which came as a result of the James Harden trade.
The 29-year-old from Melbourne was a dominant force at the 76ers, winning Rookie of the Year, becoming a three-time NBA All-Star and recording 38 triple-doubles at the point guard position in Philadelphia between 2017-2021.
Simmons, who was also one of the best defensive players in the league during his prime, has earned more than AUD $310M (USD $203M) in his nine-year career.
But after unceremonious departures from the 76ers and Nets, as well as several serious back issues, Simmons remains a free agent and recently shut down rumours he was going to retire, despite rejecting a reported veteran minimum deal from Eastern Conference contenders, the New York Knicks.
However, as teams either face early injury problems or struggle to tip-off the 2025-26 season, the former LSU college star could be a low-risk, high-reward option if he can find any type of form.
"Simmons is a polarising player as a point forward who doesn't shoot the three-point shot," Eric Pincus from the Bleacher Report wrote.
"Earlier in his career, he was among the league's top defenders. Back injuries have limited his production. The LA Clippers added him for the postseason run, but went in a different direction.
"Simmons flirted with the New York Knicks and Sacramento Kings this summer, but was believed to be seeking more than a minimum contract."
Two-time NBA MVP and Simmons' former coach, Steve Nash, recently said he hoped his former player got another chance.
"I’m sure he doesn’t want it to end (here)," Nash told Australian newspaper Sunday Herald Sun.
"I don’t think it’s over.
“He’s an incredible talent. I know his back injury had an impact on him, so it’s tough to see him go.
“Maybe he’ll get a team … the hope is he finds a chance.’’
His agent, Bernie Lee, also recently parted ways with Simmons after he reportedly tuned out any interest from the Knicks.
He sits only behind controversial sharpshooter Malik Beasley in BR's free agent rankings with former Cairns Taipans and Brisbane Bullets NBL star Torrey Craig ranked 16th.
Sports Illustrated's Jackson Caudell also wrote a piece discussing the idea of Simmons potentially joining fellow Aussie Dyson Daniels in the short term while Trae Young is sidelines with injury.
