The New York Knicks are actively seeking to improve their roster following their return to the Eastern Conference Finals in the 2025 NBA playoffs, their first appearance since 2000. After replacing Tom Thibodeau with Mike Brown as head coach, the Knicks have focused on adding players who can bolster their bench, with Ben Simmons emerging as a leading candidate.
Despite advances in recent seasons, the Knicks still face challenges with their bench depth due to a salary-heavy lineup. The offseason additions of Jordan Clarkson and Guerschon Yabusele have helped, but the team’s pursuit of a cost-effective free agent like Simmons shows their intent to solidify their reserves.
Ben Simmons’ Free Agency Choices Narrow as Decision Looms
Ben Simmons remains available on the free-agent market after a brief tenure with the Los Angeles Clippers, where he played 18 games averaging 2.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.1 assists in under 17 minutes per contest. According to reports, Simmons is expected to decide his next team within a week, with contenders including the Sacramento Kings, Phoenix Suns, Boston Celtics, and the New York Knicks.
“The Ben Simmons sweepstakes are heating up, and he’s expected to make a decision on where he’ll be taking his talents within the next week, per @WindhorstESPN ‘I’m told he’s probably going to make a choice in the next week. Kings, Suns, Knicks & Celtics have all been connected…'” —NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral)
Why the Knicks Represent an Ideal Role for Simmons
NBA analyst Sam Quinn highlighted the Knicks as the best fit for Simmons, emphasizing the team’s need to surround him with strong shooters and use him as a playmaker off the bench. Simmons’ ability to operate as a versatile wing defender and creator could provide New York with increased flexibility in its lineup, especially when star Jalen Brunson rests.
“How about the Knicks? The key to maximizing Simmons will be surrounding him with shooting, perhaps New York could lean on Simmons as a creator when Jalen Brunson goes to the bench. He gives them yet another big wing to deploy defensively, and if they want to switch as much as they did in the later stages of the postseason, Simmons can do so.” —Sam Quinn, CBS Sports
“The pressure of Madison Square Garden is a potential issue, but we’re talking about a 10-15-minute reserve here, not a star. It’s a low-risk, high-reward gamble.” —Sam Quinn, CBS Sports
Potential Impact on Knicks’ Bench and Team Dynamics
The Knicks have struggled in recent years with over-reliance on their starters, leaving their bench unit less effective. Under Mike Brown’s leadership, the team aims to develop a more balanced rotation that will lessen the load on key players. Ben Simmons, while not a star option at this stage, offers defensive versatility and playmaking skills that could enhance New York’s second unit significantly.
If Simmons joins, his presence on the bench could spell a tactical upgrade, allowing the Knicks to maintain intensity on both ends of the floor during critical stretches. This move could help address lingering concerns about the Knicks’ bench depth and contribute to sustained playoff success going forward.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Did Ben Simmons date a Kardashian?
A. Kendall Jenner and Ben Simmons began their relationship in May 2018, but it ended a few months later in September. They got back together briefly in November, enjoying a casual romance. However, by May 2019, they had split again.
Q. Why was Ben Simmons suspended?
A. The Philadelphia 76ers stated on Tuesday that star point guard Ben Simmons is suspended for one game due to behavior that hurt the team. Because of this, Simmons will miss the team’s season opener on Wednesday in New Orleans.
Q. Why did Kendall Jenner leave Ben Simmons?
A. Kim Kardashian and her step-brother Brandon Jenner once shared a kiss, according to Brody Jenner. However, it was not as serious as it might seem. Sources who know the Kardashians say this happened when Kim was about 11 years old, and Brandon was 12.
Q. What is Ben Simmons diagnosed with?
A. On March 24, the Nets revealed that Simmons had a pinched nerve in his back and would be out for an unknown period.