Knicks eye Ben Simmons as potential fit amid mutual interest for final roster spot in playoff push
The New York Knicks are exploring options for their final open roster spot, and one intriguing name has emerged: former All-Star guard Ben Simmons. As it stands, the Knicks have 12 players secured with guaranteed standard roster contracts, along with Ariel Hukporti.
Available Options for New York
Several noteworthy free agents are still available, potentially within the Knicks’ budget for veteran minimum contracts. Among them are 2023 Sixth Man of the Year Malcolm Brogdon, 2017 MVP Russell Westbrook, and the aforementioned Simmons, alongside Knicks guards Landry Shamet and Delon Wright, who are also yet to sign.
While former five-time All-Star Al Horford and guards De’Anthony Melton and Gary Payton II remain unsigned, they are widely expected to join the Golden State Warriors once the team resolves Jonathan Kuminga’s restricted free agency situation.
Simmons: A Compelling Choice
Simmons, now 29, has faced significant challenges with injuries that have hindered his performance. However, his potential remains intriguing for the Knicks. Recent discussions suggest there may be “mutual interest” between Simmons and New York, as indicated by longtime league insider Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson during an interview on the “NBA Economy Show.”
After negotiating a buyout with the Brooklyn Nets, Simmons finished the 2024-25 season with the playoff-bound L.A. Clippers. Despite a lackluster season—averaging just 2.9 points on 43.4 percent shooting, along with 3.8 rebounds and 3.1 assists in 16.4 minutes per game—his past achievements as a two-time All-Defensive Team member highlight his capabilities when healthy.
Robinson noted, “Coming from that Clippers system… you saw flashes of what many people fell in love with in his game, playing alongside James Harden, Norman Powell, and Kawhi Leonard.” He emphasized that “the Knicks would be a good opportunity for him,” underscoring the potential fit between Simmons and New York.
Simmons’ Ongoing Challenges
Simmons has been candid about his ongoing struggles with a back injury that has significantly impacted his athleticism. “With the back, you use your back every day with everything you do,” he explained. “When you’re breathing, everything’s connected, so your hips, your legs, upper body, like everything is tied together.”
Despite these challenges, if Simmons can regain some of the athleticism that once made him a formidable perimeter threat during his time with the Philadelphia 76ers, he could provide valuable contributions to the Knicks’ playoff aspirations. However, he remains in a process of adjusting to his injury.
“It’s still now certain things that I do for the first time on the court and be like, ‘Okay. I can do that,’” Simmons remarked. “It’s a mental thing too. If you haven’t done it and you weren’t able to do it, you have to see yourself do it and go through it to build that confidence.”
As the Knicks weigh their options, the prospect of adding Ben Simmons could be a pivotal decision as they gear up for a playoff push.
