Ben Simmons' time in the NBA could be drawing to a close, with the former All-Star reportedly tossing up the idea of retiring from the league.
Drafted in 2016, the Australian quickly ascended to the upper echelon of the sport, claiming awards and accolades as a core piece of the Philadelphia 76ers.
But following a horror run of back injuries, coupled with a messy trade dispute, Simmons' career faltered in Brooklyn, and then with the Clippers, leaving the 29-year-old now reportedly considering retirement.
Is Ben Simmons retiring?
Ben Simmons is reportedly considering retiring from the NBA, according to Stefan Bondy of the New York Post.
After signing with the Los Angeles Clippers mid-way through last season following a buyout from the Nets, Simmons is now a free agent, and while there have been some murmurs across the off-season, no meaningful news has developed around the Aussie, who is now weighing up retirement.
"Simmons, who has accumulated DNPs the past few seasons, and over $200 million in career earnings, is sending a message that he isn’t sure 'if he wants to continue,' another source added," wrote Bondy.
A number of teams have been linked to Simmons this off-season, chief among them the New York Knicks, but with the start of the NBA season less than two months away, there is no guarantee that we will see the former All-NBA player on a roster come opening night.
Simmons defended by NBA teammate
One player who has come to the defense of Simmons is fellow Australian and former NBA teammate Jonah Bolden.
The pair played together between 2018 and 2020 in Philadelphia, and Bolden believes that Simmons still has plenty left to give in the league.
"He is still a great athlete who is super gifted and talented, so I don’t think it will get to a point where teams will pass up on him," Bolden told Code Sports.
"Maybe just because of the off-court stuff, but I think NBA teams understand Ben’s role and his effect and if you can put the other stuff aside and bring him in on a 'we know what you can do' basis.
"I think Ben would be extremely beneficial for any team."
Bolden is currently preparing for his third year in the NBL, this season playing for the Illawarra Hawks, while the basketball world awaits Simmons next move.