Ben Simmons Pitched on NBL Contract by Australian League's Owner amid NBA Rumors

Having clarified that he's not looking to retire from professional basketball, Ben Simmons could return to his home country to continue playing if he doesn't get an offer from an NBA team that suits him.

Larry Kestelman, owner and executive director of the NBL in Australia, recently told CODE Sports (h/t NBL.com) that he would "love" to speak with Simmons about potentially joining the league.

"I'll reach out to Ben and I'd love to have a chat to him because I believe he is someone who we (the NBL) want to put our arms around," Kestelman said. "I hope he comes and plays for the passion of it and a deal in the NBL is somewhere where his passion could be reignited."

There had been recent rumblings that Simmons was at least considering retirement. Stefan Bondy of the New York Post reported on Sept. 3 that the three-time All-Star was "questioning" if he wanted to continue his NBA career.

The next day, NBA insider Marc Stein noted that Simmons' agent, Bernie Lee, informed the National Basketball Players Association he was no longer representing Simmons.

In response to the rumors, Simmons responded to a fan on Instagram who asked if he was retired by saying, "No."

Simmons has been a free agent since the 2024-25 season ended. He did receive a one-year offer worth the veteran minimum from the New York Knicks but turned it down because he's hoping to secure a more lucrative deal, per Stein.

Time is running out for Simmons to land with an NBA team before training camps open on Sept. 29. The regular season tips off on Oct. 21.

The NBL is the top basketball organization in Australia. Salary structures in the league are very different than the NBA. Last season, for example, the salary cap was $1.95 million.

Simmons, who was born in Australia before moving to the United States in 2013, made just over $1 million for his two months with the Los Angeles Clippers.

The 2025-26 NBL regular season began on Sept. 18 and will run through Feb. 20. Simmons has played in 383 games during his NBA career, averaging 13.1 points, 7.4 rebounds and 7.2 assists per contest.