Ben Simmonsā murky NBA future may finally be coming into focus. After a disappointing season split between the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Clippers, the former No. 1 overall pick is reportedly engaged in advanced discussions with an Eastern Conference team.
According to SNYās Ian Begley, the New York Knicks are one of the teams in touch with Simmons during the ongoing free agency period. āAlso, the Knicks have enough money for one veteran minimum contract and one rookie contract before they reach the second apron. Who might the Knicks sign with that veteranās minimum deal? They have continued to touch base with Ben Simmons during the free agency period,ā Begley reported.
Simmons, selected first overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2016 NBA Draft, once looked destined to be the face of the league. But a combination of injuries, off-court challenges, and inconsistency have slowed his rise. Still, the 28-year-old remains an intriguing reclamation project.
Last season, Simmons appeared in 51 total games with the Nets and Clippers, making 24 starts. He averaged 5.0 points on 52.0% shooting, along with 5.6 assists and 4.7 rebounds in 22.0 minutes per game. While no longer the All-NBA talent he once was, Simmons could still provide valuable depth to a Knicks squad that already added Jordan Clarkson and Guerschon Yabusele.
Ben Simmons #25 of the Los Angeles Clippers in action against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Intuit Dome. (Luke Hales/Getty Images)
But Simmons isnāt the only veteran New York has its eye on. Begley noted the Knicks have also expressed interest in marquee free agents Russell Westbrook and Chris Paul. āIām sure they have touched base with other vets as well. Chris Paul and Russell Westbrook are among the lead guards still on the market,ā Begley wrote.
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Additionally, the Knicks are reportedly monitoring the situation surrounding former Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart, who may be a buyout candidate with the Washington Wizards. āTeams are wondering if Washington will agree to a buyout with veteran guard Marcus Smart,ā Begley added.
New York, however, isnāt limiting its search to ball-handling guards. One familiar face could be making a return. āNew York still sees Landry Shamet as a possibility and Shamet remains open to returning to New York,ā Begley reported.
Shamet played 50 games with the Knicks last season, averaging 5.7 points per game on 46.1% shooting from the field and an impressive 39.7% from beyond the arc, in just over 15 minutes per contest. In the playoffs, he saw limited action but made the most of it, averaging 2.4 points in 7.5 minutes per game while shooting 46.7% from deep.
