The Toronto Raptors may be rebuilding, but few expected the blueprints to include that guy. The one more famous for dating a Kardashian once than knocking down a three-pointer. Yet, according to multiple reports, the Raptors are weighing a veteran minimum deal for former All-Star Ben Simmons, sparking disbelief and sarcasm across NBA circles.
Simmons, once the crown jewel of The Process in Philadelphia, has become synonymous with NBA what-ifs. He was the No. 1 overall pick in 2016, the Rookie of the Year in 2017-2018, and a three-time All-Star by 2021. But since passing up an open layup in Game 7 of the 2021 Eastern Conference Semifinals, Simmons’ career has taken a nosedive—both statistically and financially.
From a $40 million salary with the Brooklyn Nets to a $1.08 million deal with the Clippers this past February, Simmons’ fall has been one of the most dramatic in recent league history. As a free agent once again, the Raptors—fresh off parting ways with longtime president Masai Ujiri—are reportedly eyeing Simmons as a bargain-bin pickup to round out a roster already undergoing significant transformation.
A Fanbase in Disbelief
The reaction from Raptors fans has been swift, loud, and mostly mocking.
“For their G-League team?” one user scoffed. Another posted a meme of a man crying with the caption, “From Giannis talks to Ben Simmons talks.” The contrast couldn’t be more jarring: Toronto had been linked to superstar targets just weeks ago. Now they seem to be dumpster diving in the veteran minimum aisle.
Even fans who tried to find logic in the move had trouble making peace with the idea.
The skepticism is warranted. Simmons averaged just 5.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.6 assists last season, splitting 51 games between Brooklyn and Los Angeles. Once a defensive menace with elite court vision, Simmons struggles to stay on the court. He has also shown little interest in evolving his offensive game.
Why Would Toronto Do This?
On the surface, the move looks like a head-scratcher. However, a deeper look at Toronto’s cap sheet reveals a more calculated motivation.
The Raptors’ starting five—Immanuel Quickley, RJ Barrett, Brandon Ingram, Scottie Barnes, and Jakob Poeltl—is expensive. With little cap space and a desire to avoid a crushing luxury tax bill, Toronto’s front office is forced to look for cheap veteran additions. Simmons, now a reclamation project, fits that mold.
According to Sportsnet’s Michael Grange, Simmons is “out there” as a possible signing. Simmons might offer some production per 36 minutes (9.2 assists, 7.7 rebounds, 1.2 steals) in a limited role. If his body holds up, his theoretical upside could be valuable to a young team that just added Collin Murray-Boyles and Alijah Martin in the draft.
A Gamble in the Post-Ujiri Era
This would be one of the first bold moves in the post-Masai Ujiri era. With new MLSE leadership and general manager Bobby Webster, Toronto is entering a transition phase. Whether the team is quietly tanking, searching for veteran mentorship, or simply rolling the dice on a low-risk flyer, the potential Simmons signing will be a litmus test of where this franchise is headed.
And while Simmons might not help Toronto win games—or shoot from beyond the arc—he will keep the Raptors in the conversation, for better or worse.
Raptors Reportedly Eyeing Disaster of a Former All-Star