Another ongoing storyline this offseason involves the future of Ben Simmons. The 28-year-old forward is currently an NBA free agent after his brief stint with the Los Angeles Clippers. While several teams — including the Boston Celtics — have been linked to him, there now appears to be a clear frontrunner. Ultimately, his next move reportedly hinges entirely on his own decision.
The New York Knicks continue to show strong interest in Simmons, according to Ian Begley of SNY. “Ben Simmons is certainly a candidate for the Knicks’ final roster spot. As of earlier this week, New York continued to show strong interest in signing Simmons as teams in on Simmons await his decision,” Begley reported.
Simmons is expected to make a decision within days, with the Knicks and the Sacramento Kings emerging as the two most aggressive suitors, per ESPN’s Brian Windhorst. Both teams are seeking to bolster their rotation ahead of the new NBA season, and Simmons’ versatility remains appealing despite recent setbacks.
The 6-foot-10 point forward appeared in 17 games for the Clippers last season after signing a minimum deal in February. He averaged 2.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.1 assists in just over 16 minutes per game — a sharp drop from his career production but still enough to draw interest in a limited role.
However, reports suggest the Kings may be prioritizing their pursuit of Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga, which could leave Simmons out of their immediate plans. Golden State remain firm in their trade demands, complicating Sacramento’s path forward and possibly reopening the door for Simmons.
While Simmons’ production has declined in recent seasons due to injuries and limited playing time, his career averages of 13.1 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 7.2 assists still reflect his ability to impact a game. The Knicks, operating under the NBA’s second tax apron of $207.8 million, have limited financial flexibility but appear to be weighing Simmons as a strategic addition.
New York currently has all three of its two-way contract slots available, offering extra flexibility in finalizing its roster. Simmons has also drawn interest from the Phoenix Suns and Boston Celtics, though neither team is believed to be seriously in the running at this stage.
Adding Simmons to the Knicks’ roster could prove to be a key move, especially as they look to alleviate pressure on Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns. Simmons could provide a secondary playmaking option and help create space for the team’s stars by drawing defensive attention.