Could Former All-NBA Forward Make Sense for Final OKC Thunder Roster Spot?

The Thunder still have an open spot, and a former All-Star is looking for his next team.

Apr 11, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Ben Simmons (25) during the third quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

A former All-Star is looking to make it back into the league, and Oklahoma City’s open roster spot could be a fit.

After an offseason filled with changes, the Thunder roster appears to be set going into next season. After failing to steal restricted free agent Spencer Jones away from Denver, the Thunder are left with one open roster spot as the season inches closer.

While there are some names that have been in the free agency pool for most of the summer, a new name may have just entered the discussion, with the announcement that Ben Simmons is looking to make an NBA comeback. Last playing for the LA Clippers in the 2024-25 season, Simmons has reportedly regained his athleticism as he participates in a minicamp with the Australian national team.

Assuming those things are true and Simmons can be an ideal version of himself, he should be able to find his way onto an NBA roster again. From the Thunder’s perspective, Simmons’ off-court distractions in Philadelphia coupled with his injury history could make it an easy decision to stay away.

However, Simmons also projects as a near-perfect fit for the Thunder, based on what Oklahoma City is missing. As a 6-foot-10 forward, Simmons has previously displayed great defense and playmaking, while he could also bring in some much-needed size on the wing.

In terms of his on-court limitation, his lack of shooting ability will always be a concern. Still, he could be a low-risk, high-reward 15th man for the Thunder as a former All-NBA and All-Defensive player. 

The Thunder also make sense as a landing spot from Simmons’ perspective. To get back in the league and reestablish himself, he likely needs to either go to a bad team where he can put up some big numbers or show he can contribute in a smaller role for a winning team. Given his career path, that second option could be his best shot at getting back in the league long-term.

Perhaps Oklahoma City simply isn’t interested in a player of Simmons’ style with his history. The Thunder are no strangers to entering a season with an open roster spot and haven’t typically been interested in taking free agent swings like Simmons would be. 

Still, the Thunder and Simmons would be an intriguing pairing, and playing in Mark Daigneault’s system could be all the former All-Star needs to be effective on an NBA floor again.