Benjamin David Simmons’ dramatic fall from a $40 million Brooklyn Nets salary to a modest $1.08 million Los Angeles Clippers contract in February marked one of the NBA’s most stunning financial reversals.
Now, as the former No. 1 overall pick enters free agency, the Toronto Raptors are reportedly eyeing the three-time All-Star as a potential veteran minimum addition to their rebuilding roster.
Raptors Explore Veteran Leadership Amid Front Office Transition
According to meida reports, Toronto is quietly weighing the cap-friendly veteran minimum against Simmons’ potential to mentor a young core. Michael Grange of Sportsnet first reported the team’s interest.
The front office, now led by GM Bobby Webster, faces the challenge of navigating salary cap constraints with no conventional cap space available. Sources indicate the Raptors are prioritizing finding the “right fit” as they continue their organizational rebuild.
MLSE president Keith Pelley emphasized patience in the search for new leadership, telling Sportsnet on Friday: “I think the urgency is to find the right person. If we are able to find the right person next week, fantastic. If that is next month, that’s OK, too, and if it’s in two months, that’s OK. That’s our No. 1 priority, finding the right person that can get us back to contending and winning championships.”
The Raptors could show free agent interest in Ben Simmons on a veteran’s minimum contract, per @michaelgrange (https://t.co/XUb7K3ROFa).
Simmons averaged 5.0 points, 5.6 assists and 4.7 rebounds this season. pic.twitter.com/JzMKVoP1YE
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) June 28, 2025
The speculation surrounding free agency comes as Toronto’s 2025 draft class begins integrating into the organization. Ninth overall pick Collin Murray-Boyles has already arrived at the team facility, joined by 39th pick Alijah Martin, a guard from Florida.
Organizational Upheaval Follows Championship Architect’s Departure
These rookie arrivals coincide with significant organizational change following Masai Ujiri’s departure as Raptors President and Vice Chairman on June 27.
The move ended a 12-year tenure that culminated in Toronto’s first NBA championship. Reports from ESPN suggested behind-the-scenes tensions with MLSE ownership contributed to the abrupt separation.
Pelley’s leadership has now resulted in the dismissal of three MLSE team presidents: former Maple Leafs president Brendan Shanahan, Toronto FC’s former president Bill Manning, and Ujiri. This pattern of executive turnover signals a broader organizational restructuring under the MLSE umbrella.
BREAKING: Masai Ujiri is out as Vice Chairman and President of the Toronto Raptors, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/JIXUMUXz55
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 27, 2025
Should Toronto successfully recruit Simmons on a value contract, his veteran presence could complement the defensive instincts of rookie Murray-Boyles and the two-way potential of Martin. This combination would provide the foundation for a revamped core built around young talent and experienced leadership.
During the 2024-25 season, Simmons posted modest numbers across his split campaign, averaging 5.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.6 assists. His 33 games with Brooklyn produced 6.2 points, 6.9 assists, and 5.2 rebounds before his February trade to Los Angeles, where he appeared in 18 additional games.
MORE: ‘Terrible Move by Toronto’ — NBA Fans Stunned By Raptors’ Shocking Decision To Fire Masai Ujiri Right After Draft
The Raptors have also secured veteran leadership by re-signing Garrett Temple to a one-year, $3.6 million deal, providing another experienced voice in the locker room.
Toronto’s pursuit of Simmons represents an early test for the post-Ujiri era. Whether the organization secures the former All-Star on a cost-effective contract or pivots toward other veteran options will signal the franchise’s approach to balancing immediate competitiveness with long-term development.
The combination of rookie talent, executive transitions, and strategic free agency moves positions the Raptors as a team navigating significant change while maintaining their commitment to competitive basketball.
