Ben Simmons remains a free agent amid uncertain Knicks talks

Ben Simmons remains a free agent with the NBA preseason approaching and his status clouded by conflicting reports about whether he has turned down a New York Knicks offer, the recent departure of his agent and renewed questions about his health and desire to continue playing. Some league insiders said New York offered Simmons a one year veteran minimum contract that he declined. Other Knicks sources, however, said the club never made a formal offer, only that conversations took place during the offseason.

The disagreement highlights both Simmons internal uncertainty and the limited market for the 29 year old former No. 1 overall pick. Longtime NBA reporter Brian Windhorst said interest around the league has been lukewarm and suggested Simmons may need to accept a veteran minimum or even a nonguaranteed training camp deal if he wants to return. Windhorst said a team that values Simmons primarily as a defensive, positionally versatile big guard might sign him but likely on minimal financial terms.

Simmons himself has downplayed retirement talk and framed his situation as a work in progress. Im still growing in terms of my game and in terms of getting back, getting reps under my...