Ben Simmons is not the sought-after commodity he was, however the former first total choice continues to search out alternatives across the league.
After his tenure with the Philadelphia 76ers went up in flames, Simmons spent two unremarkable and injury-riddled seasons with the Brooklyn Nets because the centerpiece of the James Harden blockbuster in February 2022.
After failing to impress with the Nets, although, the 29-year-old managed to latch on with the Los Angeles Clippers in 2025, doubtless resulting from his former standing as a bona fide All-Star with a novel talent set. Simmons did not make an influence with the veteran-laden Clippers, although, prompting many to imagine his NBA profession might have run its course.
Enter the New York Knicks.
After falling to the Indiana Pacers within the Japanese Convention Finals final season, it turned clear that the Knicks’ lack of bench depth was their most distinguished weak spot. New York amended this problem by including versatile large man Guerschon Yabusele and a quantity scorer in Jordan Clarkson. These two will doubtless be the Knicks’ most distinguished signings of the summer season, nevertheless it appears the franchise might make another notable addition to their new-look second unit.
In an SNY mailbag, veteran NBA insider Ian Begley was requested if the three-time All-Star is a viable choice to fill New York’s closing roster spot. After years of decline and fixed damage struggles, no group can anticipate an excessive amount of from Simmons, however that does not imply the Knicks would not love so as to add him on a risk-free deal.
“Ben Simmons is actually a candidate for the Knicks’ closing roster spot. As of earlier this week, New York continued to point out sturdy curiosity in signing Simmons as groups in on Simmons await his resolution,” Begley responded.
Simmons averaged simply 5.0 factors, 5.6 assists, and 4.7 rebounds between the Nets and Clippers in 2024-25. Simmons’ peak and construct enable him to place up respectable numbers in rebounds and assists, nevertheless it’s clear that the 6-foot-10 guard’s confidence hasn’t returned after as soon as rating amongst basketball’s prime younger skills.
If the Knicks can usher in Simmons, it’ll signify one other reclamation effort for a participant who has struggled mightily since his flameout within the 2021 postseason.
The LSU product can be a low-risk, medium-reward signing that may enable New York to experiment with their bench rotation as they search to interrupt by way of to the NBA Finals subsequent season.
