Earlier this summer, the Boston Celtics reportedly registered interest in Ben Simmons. That came courtesy of veteran NBA insider Marc Stein in his Substack, the Stein Line.
The New York Knicks were another team he cited as doing the same with the 29-year-old free agent. With training camp now on the horizon, Stein is now reporting that the latter franchise extended an offer to him.
"The Knicks, league sources said, indeed offered a one-year contract to Ben Simmons that the former All-Star passed on," states Stein. "New York is limited to minimum contract offers as training camps draw near, and Simmons entered the summer hopeful of securing a contract above the minimum after he split last season between the Nets and Clippers."
However, while confirming the Knicks' interest in the former All-NBA selection, SNY's Ian Begley reports that they have never made a formal offer to Simmons. He also noted re-signing Landry Shamet or bringing aboard former Celtic Malcolm Brogdon as potential options on New York's radar.
It's possible that the Knicks never made a formal offer because the franchise or Simmons' agent made him aware that they are limited to extending him a minimum contract. If it's relayed that he won't accept that, instead holding out in hopes of landing a more lucrative deal, there's no need for New York to send a formal proposal to him and his camp.
The Celtics' interest in Ben Simmons may have dissipated
As stated at the time, when Boston signed Chris Boucher, it appeared to be a signal that the franchise would likely not add Simmons as well. Reinforcing that is a report from Brian Robb of MassLive, stating that the Celtics may leave their 15th and final roster spot vacant. That would help maximize tax savings.
If they fill that void, another reason they might want to steer in a different direction than Simmons is that he is contemplating retirement, according to a report from Stefan Bondy of the New York Post earlier this month.
The situation is fluid. The three-time All-Star could wind up joining the Celtics or Knicks in time for the start of training camp. In Boston, the two-time All-Defensive team selection could bring a boost with his ability to guard one through five and function at center in spurts.
Like bumping up Boucher, that would give Joe Mazzulla another way to unlock small-ball lineups that could push the tempo offensively. With Simmons in the fold, those units may prove even more formidable at the other end, thanks to his defensive versatility.
The Celtics could even try to minimize the impact of his reluctance to shoot. They could deploy him in a role resembling Luke Kornet's. Taking advantage of his size, passing, and explosiveness, the former No. 1 overall draft pick has a track record of success when operating as the screener in dribble handoffs or pitch-and-goes around the elbows.
Signing in Boston could be what's best for Simmons. It could extend his career and turn into a multi-year partnership. Taking a low-risk, high-reward wager on him could especially come in handy when Jayson Tatum returns and the Celtics aim to reclaim their status as title contenders immediately.
However, this is an individual with a disappointing track record highlighted by underachieving. His getting phased out of the Los Angeles Clippers' rotation as their first-round series with the Denver Nuggets is the latest example that makes it hard to believe it would go differently with another franchise.
One could also point to Simmons reportedly considering retiring as a suggestion that the least likely outcome is him being a multi-year contributor.
That doesn't mean the Celtics -- or the Knicks -- shouldn't take a chance on defying the odds. However, it's important to maintain realistic expectations. Signing Simmons is more like purchasing a lottery ticket. It could work out well, but that's not how it typically goes with him.