As NBA free agency nears its conclusion in late July, the landscape is becoming increasingly limited, with most teams having exhausted their salary cap space and roster spots filling up rapidly. Many players remain without contracts, facing dwindling chances of securing meaningful roles before the start of the season. This environment creates a high-pressure scenario for the remaining free agents, particularly within the weaker 2025 class, where only a handful of noteworthy players are still unsigned.
Amid these challenging conditions, it is essential to explore which of these remaining free agents might still find fitting roles, evaluating their fit and potential impact on candidate teams. Among these players, Ben Simmons emerges as a compelling option for the New York Knicks, blending a cautious investment with a promising upside.
Russell Westbrook’s uncertain future and the Kings’ limited match
Veteran guard Russell Westbrook’s best season in years with Denver did not lead to a contract renewal, adding to his recent struggles to find enduring fits on contending teams such as the Rockets, Lakers, Clippers, and Nuggets. With his game clashing with teams reliant on star centers like Nikola Jokić, Westbrook now appears destined for a role on squads with modest playoff ambitions and limited younger rebuilding prospects.
The Sacramento Kings seem poised as the lone destination loosely compatible with Westbrook’s style. They could benefit from his playmaking and ability to push tempo following a drop-off in their pace after De’Aaron Fox’s absence. Although Westbrook’s defense can be inconsistent, his physicality can disrupt opposing ball handlers. Nonetheless, the Kings’ perimeter-heavy roster and full 15-man lineup make this an imperfect match, possibly indicating the twilight of Westbrook’s NBA career is near.
Why Ben Simmons fits well with the Knicks’ roster and style
Boston was initially considered a potential landing spot for Ben Simmons, providing a relatively low-pressure setting given their current rebuilding phase. The Celtics’ shooting-heavy approach, overseen by coach Joe Mazzulla who demands everyone to be a capable shooter, does not perfectly align with Simmons’ skill set as he limits attempts from behind the arc and paint.
The New York Knicks, however, present a more compatible environment. The team benefits from a lineup featuring strong shooters, including Karl-Anthony Towns as a shooting big man and offseason additions Jordan Clarkson and Guerschon Yabusele. Simmons could serve effectively as a creator and defensive asset during the minutes when Jalen Brunson rests, offering versatility on both ends of the floor. Despite the intimidating atmosphere of Madison Square Garden, limiting Simmons to a 10-15 minute reserve role mitigates risk while allowing New York to potentially capitalize on his strengths. This combination positions Simmons as a textbook example of a low-risk, high-reward acquisition.
Golden State’s anticipated moves with Al Horford and Gary Payton II
The Golden State Warriors are reportedly aiming to secure Al Horford, a seasoned, switch-capable big man who fits seamlessly into their defensive schemes and values smart, experienced players. The main obstacle remains financial constraints, pending the resolution of Jonathan Kuminga’s future contract situation. Horford’s ability to contribute as a veteran leader and shooting threat will be a valuable component of the Warriors’ strategy going forward.
Similarly, the Warriors see value in retaining Gary Payton II, a defensive specialist who excels at guarding opposing point guards. Coach Steve Kerr’s reduced reliance on young player Moses Moody underlined the team’s need for dependable defense, a role Payton has filled admirably in his previous stints. While his offensive game is limited, Payton’s strengths are well-suited to Golden State’s style, leveraging smart off-ball movement and screens within their dynamic offense.
Timberwolves targeting Malcolm Brogdon for backcourt stability
The Minnesota Timberwolves appear to desire a seasoned floor general, with Malcolm Brogdon fitting that profile amid the loss of Nickeil Alexander-Walker and their shifting interest in Damian Lillard. Brogdon could bolster Minnesota’s backcourt depth behind Mike Conley and Anthony Edwards by adding a traditional playmaking presence. Additionally, Brogdon’s contract offers notable trade flexibility, providing the Timberwolves with potential salary maneuvering options as they prepare for future roster moves. This strategy appears part of a broader plan to empower younger guards like Rob Dillingham and Terrence Shannon Jr.
Jonathan Kuminga’s complex contract and trade considerations with the Suns
Restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga faces a delicate situation, as Golden State retains the right to match any offer, discouraging early suitors. With Kuminga eager to depart, a likely scenario involves a sign-and-trade deal. However, salary cap rules complicate such trades due to base-year compensation restrictions, meaning Golden State will count only a portion of Kuminga’s new salary for outgoing cap purposes, while the acquiring team counts the full amount.
The Phoenix Suns have expressed interest in acquiring Kuminga, possibly exchanging players like Nick Richards or facilitating trade exceptions to manage luxury tax implications. Kuminga’s arrival in Phoenix could provide much-needed upside, as the Suns seek young talent to rebuild. However, fitting into their roster of shooting guards and adapting to their offensive system will be challenging, requiring Kuminga to improve his defense and find his role within a crowded lineup.
Cam Thomas as a potential scoring solution for the Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks still need a reliable scorer in the backcourt despite recent acquisitions such as Kevin Porter Jr., Gary Trent Jr., and Cole Anthony. Cam Thomas, a high-upside shooting guard, has drawn Milwaukee’s interest due to his scoring ability, which could complement Giannis Antetokounmpo’s playmaking. Securing Thomas would likely require trading Kyle Kuzma and possibly offering a future first-round pick swap with the Brooklyn Nets, illustrating a willingness to invest heavily to maintain offensive potency and encourage Antetokounmpo to remain a long-term fixture.
The overall implications of Ben Simmons’ potential move to New York
Securing Ben Simmons on a limited role contract aligns with the Knicks’ current objectives, offering defensive versatility and playmaking without the burden of star-level expectations. This approach could pay dividends if Simmons can regain form and fit into the Knicks’ methodical pace and shooting-oriented offense, amplifying their ability to switch defensively as seen in their recent postseason efforts.
While Simmons carries risks, particularly related to his shooting and the pressure of Madison Square Garden, the low-risk nature of this potential signing allows New York to gain an asset with significant upside without compromising valuable minutes or salary space. For the Knicks, this calculated gamble may represent an ideal balance between immediate needs and long-term potential, contrasting with the more complicated and expensive options pursued elsewhere in the league.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Did Ben Simmons date a Kardashian?
A. Ben Simmons and Kendall Jenner were in a relationship for a year before they broke up. They said the long distance between Kendall in Los Angeles and Ben in Philadelphia caused their separation.
Q. Why was Ben Simmons suspended?
A. The Philadelphia 76ers announced that star player Ben Simmons is suspended for one game due to actions harmful to the team. Because of this, Simmons won’t participate in the opening game of the season against New Orleans on Wednesday at 8 PM Eastern Time.
Q. Why did Kendall Jenner leave Ben Simmons?
A. According to IMDb, Brody Jenner hinted that Kim Kardashian and step-brother Brandon Jenner once shared a forbidden kiss. However, research suggests this incident wasn’t as significant as suggested. Reliable sources indicate the “kiss” happened when Kim was about 11 and Brandon was 12.
Q. What is Ben Simmons diagnosed with?
A. The Nets shared on March 24 that Simmons is dealing with a nerve issue in his back, causing him to be out for an unknown time.