The New York Knicks could be the next team to take a gamble on former All-Star Ben Simmons.
Bleacher Report salary cap expert Eric Pincus projected Simmons to land in New York on a veteran minimum contract, calling it the most likely outcome in a free agency market that has cooled for the 29-year-old guard-forward.
“Prediction: The Sacramento Kings are a viable option, but pencil in Simmons for the New York Knicks on a minimum deal,” Pincus wrote.
The Knicks are $3.7 million under the league’s restrictive second apron after using their taxpayer midlevel exception to sign French forward Guerschon Yabusele. That leaves them room for just one more veteran minimum signing and a second-round pick to be slotted into a rookie contract.
From Buyout to Uncertain Market
GettyKnicks target Ben Simmons
Simmons’ once-bright career has taken a dramatic downturn. The former No. 1 overall pick and three-time All-Star left the Brooklyn Nets via buyout last season before joining the Los Angeles Clippers for their playoff push.
While he contributed on defense and as a playmaker, the Clippers pivoted this summer toward veterans Chris Paul, Bradley Beal and Brook Lopez, leaving Simmons without a new deal.
Last season, Simmons averaged 6.2 points, 5.2 rebounds and 6.9 assists in 33 games with Brooklyn before his trade. In 17 games with the Clippers, his numbers dropped to 2.9 points, 3.8 rebounds and 3.1 assists — all career lows.
Knicks’ Calculated Gamble
The Knicks have long been intrigued by Simmons. SNY’s Ian Begley reported in July that New York showed strong interest, while NBA insider Marc Stein added that Simmons met with the Phoenix Suns, Kings and Boston Celtics earlier this summer. Boston ultimately chose to sign former Toronto big man Chris Boucher instead.
Simmons could add valuable bench depth to the Knicks, whose championship odds currently sit fifth at +900, and is second in the Eastern Conference behind the Cleveland Cavaliers (+850) at DraftKings, one of the top-ranked sports betting sites here.
A versatile defender and secondary playmaker, Simmons could offer a low-cost option for a roster that already features Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby under new coach Mike Brown.
Still, Simmons’ lack of perimeter shooting and lingering back issues raise questions about whether New York is prepared to absorb the risk.
Competition From Sacramento
The Kings remain New York’s top competition. Unlike the Knicks, the Kings have more flexibility under the luxury tax, allowing them to offer slightly above the $3.3 million veteran minimum.
ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel also predicted Simmons would find his way to New York but acknowledged the Kings could still make a late push.
“Maybe another team could swoop in and convince Simmons to sign with them, but these are the two most discussed avenues among league circles for the former first overall pick,” Siegel wrote on Aug. 5.
Risk, Reward, and Redemption
GettyNew York Knicks president Leon Rose and Kemba Walker pose for photos during the latter’s introductory press conference.
The Knicks’ track record with reclamation projects has been mixed — their last major attempt with Kemba Walker ended in disappointment. Whether Simmons can rewrite that script in Madison Square Garden remains uncertain.
Begley cautioned against assuming the Knicks are the frontrunners.
“Logic tells me to take the field because there are so many different variables here for the Knicks,” Begley said on SNY’s “The Putback” on Aug. 20.
For now, Pincus’ prediction stands as the boldest: that the Knicks, despite financial constraints and lingering doubts, will hand Simmons a lifeline.
A move to New York could provide Simmons the ultimate stage — a chance to reclaim his career in one of basketball’s brightest spotlights.
Knicks Predicted to Land Fallen Star in Shocking Free Agency Twist