The NBA offseason may be entering its quietest period, but there is still plenty happening around the league, with Ben Simmons once again at the centre of attention.
Simmons begins another comeback attempt
Simmons is preparing for another shot at returning to the NBA, beginning with training alongside the Australian Boomers in Melbourne with Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels.
The 30-year-old says he is feeling better physically than he has in years and is expected to participate without major restrictions. While an NBA return is not guaranteed, several teams have reportedly shown interest in bringing him to training camp.
Simmons is also reportedly willing to accept a veteran minimum contract, potentially giving him an opportunity to rebuild his career without the pressure of a major financial commitment.
His return to the Boomers could also be important with the 2028 Olympics approaching. After years of injuries and uncertainty, Simmons now faces the challenge of proving what type of player he can still be at this stage of his career.
The second apron reshapes the NBA
The league’s new CBA continues to have a major impact on roster construction, with the second apron forcing teams to rethink how they manage their finances.
The restrictions can make trades, signings and future roster moves significantly more difficult. As a result, some stars are even accepting less than the maximum contract to give their teams greater flexibility.
Boston’s decision to trade Jaylen Brown to Philadelphia for Paul George and draft assets was partly influenced by the need to avoid an increasingly restrictive salary structure. Meanwhile, players such as LeBron James and Victor Wembanyama have also shown a willingness to leave money on the table to help their teams remain competitive.
Anunoby already looking ahead
In New York, OG Anunoby appears to have already moved past the dramatic Game 4 moment that helped decide the NBA Finals.
The Knicks celebrated their first championship since 1973, but Anunoby’s mindset reflects the team’s approach: enjoy the achievement, then quickly turn the focus toward defending the title.
2026-27 schedule set to arrive
The NBA is also preparing to release the 2026-27 regular-season schedule, with several highly anticipated matchups already attracting attention.
Among them will be Jaylen Brown’s return to Boston as an opponent and LeBron James’ Philadelphia debut. With several major offseason moves reshaping the league, the new schedule is expected to create plenty of fresh storylines and rivalries.
