Ben Simmons is once again at the center of NBA trade speculation as multiple teams — including the Boston Celtics, Phoenix Suns, New York Knicks, and Sacramento Kings — have reportedly expressed interest in acquiring the versatile but enigmatic forward. As the 2025 offseason progresses, Simmons has become a potential low-risk, high-reward target for franchises looking to bolster their rosters with size, defense, and playmaking.
Simmons, 28, is coming off a turbulent few seasons that have included injuries, inconsistent performances, and questions about his confidence and fit in modern NBA offenses. Most recently with the Brooklyn Nets, he appeared in limited action due to lingering back and knee issues, averaging 6.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 5.7 assists in just 15 games during the 2024–25 season.
Despite his health concerns and lack of scoring aggressiveness, Simmons remains a tantalizing talent. At 6-foot-10, he can guard all five positions, push the ball in transition, and serve as a secondary playmaker. When fully healthy and mentally locked in, Simmons can impact a game without needing to score in bunches — a rare skill set in today’s league.
For teams like Boston and Phoenix, the interest in Simmons may stem from a desire to round out their rotations with defensive versatility and ball-handling off the bench. The Celtics, a perennial contender, could view Simmons as a potential Swiss Army knife in small-ball lineups — someone who could relieve pressure off Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown in playmaking duties. The Suns, meanwhile, are searching for a defensive upgrade and more stability in their second unit, especially after a disappointing postseason exit.
The New York Knicks’ interest comes amid ongoing discussions around adding depth and facilitating a more versatile roster. While New York already boasts a solid defensive core, Simmons’ ability to distribute the ball and initiate fast breaks could add another dynamic element to Tom Thibodeau’s offense — assuming Simmons accepts a role that doesn’t demand scoring.
Perhaps the most intriguing suitor is Sacramento. The Kings have quietly built a competitive roster around De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis, but they lack a true defensive anchor on the perimeter. Simmons could fill that void and potentially serve as a facilitator in lineups featuring Fox off the ball, especially during slower half-court sets where Sacramento has sometimes struggled.
Still, any team pursuing Simmons must weigh the risk. His contract — while now shorter than it was during the height of his prime — still carries a significant cap hit. Teams will also want assurance that he is healthy enough to contribute meaningfully across a full season, and that he’s committed to rebuilding his reputation both on and off the court.
Simmons’ camp has reportedly welcomed the renewed interest, with sources close to the situation stating that he’s feeling healthier than he has in years and is eager for a fresh start. Whether or not that fresh start becomes a reality depends on Brooklyn’s willingness to negotiate a deal — likely at a fraction of Simmons’ former trade value.
As training camp approaches, the next few weeks could prove decisive for Simmons’ future. Whether he ends up in Boston, Phoenix, New York, Sacramento, or elsewhere, one thing is clear: his next opportunity might be his final shot to reclaim the promise that once made him a No. 1 overall pick and a multi-time All-Star.
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