Ben Simmons weighs return as unsigned, may reject veteran minimum

Ben Simmons, the former No. 1 overall pick, is weighing whether to continue his NBA career as the regular season approaches, with reports saying the 29-year-old remains unsigned despite interest from multiple teams and may reject a veterans minimum contract. The uncertainty was first reported this week and comes as franchises that have been linked to Simmons, including two Eastern Conference contenders, consider other options ahead of training camp next month.

Simmons spent last season between Brooklyn and the Los Angeles Clippers, averaging 5.0 points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.6 assists in 51 games. Those numbers are a far cry from the early trajectory of his career, when he opened as Rookie of the Year and became a three-time All Star, averaging 15.8 points, 8.1 rebounds and 8.2 assists in his debut season. Over the past three seasons he has played in only 108 of a possible 246 games, a decline attributed to injuries and uneven play that has limited his effectiveness and availability.

Accounts differ on what offers, if any, are on the table. Some reports say one team has proposed a deal worth more than five million dollars per season, while others contend that the Knicks and other...