Ben Simmons has pushed back against allegations that he is retiring from basketball, with the former NBA All-Star still a free agent as the season rapidly approaches.
After being bought out of his contract mid-season by the Brooklyn Nets, Simmons finished the year as a member of the Los Angeles Clippers, but the Australian is yet to sign a new deal through nearly three months of free agency.
But despite some suggesting he would consider retirement, the former Rookie of the Year has indicated he has no plans to end his career just yet, opening the door for the Australian NBL to make a run at him.
Ben Simmons denies retirement allegations as NBL makes pitch to star
Despite some reports that Ben Simmons was considering retirement from basketball, the current free agent has shot down these suggestions, taking to Instagram to deny he is wrapping up his career.
Replying to a comment asking "Is bro retired?" on his latest post, Simmons wrote a simple "no", quashing speculation that he was hanging up his shoes.
(IG @bensimmons)
The 29-year-old has been linked to a number of teams this off-season, including the New York Knicks and the Sacramento Kings, but is yet to sign an official deal.
This has led to NBL commentator Damon Lowery to pitch the local league to the Aussie star.
"If he can come back here and come back home to play, he would dominate," Lowery said on NBL Overtime.
"Six-foot-10 point guard who can guard absolutely everybody, it would be too easy for Ben if he was back here playing NBL.
"One, one-and-a-half games a week takes the load off his back... he can manage and really curtail what we thought was going to be an all-time career."
Simmons now has just over a month to find a new NBA home before the start of the season, officially tipping off on October 21.