Several NBA teams have expressed interest in free-agent forward Ben Simmons after the former No. 1 pick took last season off, sources told Andscape's Marc J. Spears.
One unnamed West team has extended a training camp invite to the 30-year-old, reports Spears. Simmons is open to signing a veteran minimum contract if given the opportunity to join an NBA team.
The 2016 top draftee has been training in an attempt to make a NBA comeback. He hasn't played in the league since splitting the 2024-25 season with the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Clippers, averaging 5 points, 5.6 assists, and 4.7 rebounds per game.
The three-time All-Star has dealt with debilitating flare-ups in his lower back and legs dating back to 2020 and sat out last year to focus on his health. Simmons has received positive feedback from coaches who believe he can still play at an NBA-caliber when healthy.
The 6-foot-10, 240-pound Simmons is joining a player-led minicamp on Monday for Australia men's national team and dreams of representing his home country at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, per Spears.
"I plan on getting as strong as I can physically, getting my ass on the court, and then the team realizing that my abilities will be needed," Simmons told Clay Skipper of Men's Health in June.
Simmons hinted at a potential return to the Philadelphia 76ers prior to the team acquiring Jaylen Brown and LeBron James. He also teased joining the Miami Heat.
"Maybe I'll go back to Philly," Simmons said. "Miami would be nice. And not because it's Miami. I like Erik Spoelstra, I like the Heat, I like their organization, I like the culture."
Simmons holds career averages of 13.1 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 7.2 assists. He has been named to the All-Defensive first team twice in his career.
