The New York Knicks have already beefed up their second unit considerably this offseason by bringing in Jordan Clarkson and Guerschon Yabusele. However, the Knicks aren’t done just yet.
Per SNY’s Ian Begley, the Knicks are still in the mix for free agent guard/forward Ben Simmons. According to Begley, New York cannot exceed $207.8 million in total salary, giving them enough space to sign a veteran to a minimum deal, and a rookie free agent.
“Ben Simmons is certainly a candidate for the Knicks’ final roster spot,” Begley said. “As of earlier this week, New York continued to show strong interest in signing Simmons as teams in on Simmons await his decision.”
Simmons was the first overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers, where he spent the first four seasons of his career averaging 15.9 points, 8.1 rebounds and 7.7 assists per game while making three All-Star games.
Simmons has also spent time with the Brooklyn Nets, and most recently the Los Angeles Clippers. Last season in time spent with Los Angeles and Brooklyn, he averaged 5.0 points, 4.6 rebounds and 5.6 assists per game.
While not the same player he once was, Simmons can still provide the Knicks with versatility on both ends of the floor should they sign him. Given that any deal for Simmons would likely only cost the minimum, it could be worth taking a flyer on him considering his previous track record of success.