As the NBA offseason approaches the end of August, several players remain unsigned, presenting opportunities for teams aiming to strengthen their rosters. One notable free agent is former first overall pick Ben Simmons, who continues to attract interest despite no confirmed agreement so far. While Simmons no longer holds the All-Star status from earlier in his career, his skills as a versatile playmaker and defender could benefit a contending team at a reasonable cost.
New York Knicks Cited as Prime Candidate to Sign Simmons
The New York Knicks have emerged prominently among the teams linked to Simmons this offseason. According to Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus, the Knicks stand to gain from Simmons’s ability to address a critical gap in their lineup. Pincus emphasized the Knicks’ struggle with playmaking depth beyond Jalen Brunson, suggesting Simmons could ease that burden.
One of the Knicks’ most significant weaknesses last season was a lack of playmaking on the roster. Simmons could relieve some of that pressure, with the size to play alongside (Jalen) Brunson or entirely with the second unit to help generate offense,
Eric Pincus wrote.
Before acquiring Karl-Anthony Towns, the Knicks were primarily known as a grind-it-out defensive unit. That shifted to more of an offense-first squad, but the team still has plenty of strong wing defenders like Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby. Simmons adds to that group while also addressing a need on offense.
—Eric Pincus, Bleacher Report
How Simmons Fits Into the Knicks’ Roster Construction
The 29-year-old player’s versatility allows him to fill multiple roles as point guard or forward, offering the Knicks flexibility, particularly off the bench. His defensive prowess aligns well with the team’s existing strong wing defenders, including Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby, and his playmaking could complement Jalen Brunson‘s offensive leadership. These attributes make Simmons a potentially valuable contributor as the Knicks aim to build on their recent Eastern Conference Finals appearance.
Given the Knicks’ salary cap constraints, any contract offered to Simmons would likely be a minimum deal, focusing on roster depth and complementary skills rather than star-level compensation. However, the team maintains several options for its final roster spot and may consider alternatives depending on roster priorities and financial strategy.
Potential Impact of Signing Simmons for the Knicks
Adding Simmons could provide the Knicks with a significant boost in playmaking and defense, areas that remain crucial for competitive success in the Eastern Conference. His ability to play multiple positions and generate offense without sacrificing defense might improve the team’s overall balance and depth. Yet, the decision depends on weighing available free agent options and how Simmons’s current form fits the Knicks’ short- and long-term plans.