The New York Knicks are evaluating former All-Star Ben Simmons as a potential minimum-salary addition to complete their standard roster, according to The Athletic’s James L. Edwards III.
Simmons, 28, has been “talked about around the Knicks,” per league sources, as the front office considers low-cost veteran options to round out the roster ahead of training camp.
SNY’s Ian Begley confirmed New York is weighing Simmons and Landry Shamet for the 15th roster spot, with a final decision expected in the coming days.
Simmons last appeared with the Clippers after signing a minimum deal in February, playing 17 games and averaging 2.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.1 assists in limited minutes.
Despite his recent decline due to back issues and inconsistent playing time, the 6-foot-10 forward still carries value as a defensive specialist and secondary ball-handler.
In 317 career games, Simmons holds averages of 13.1 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 7.2 assists, and was named to the All-Defensive First Team twice during his time with the Philadelphia 76ers.
Shamet, also 28, played 50 games for the Knicks last season after arriving in a midseason trade from Washington, contributing 5.7 points in 15.2 minutes per game while shooting 39.7% from beyond the arc.
New York values Shamet’s catch-and-shoot ability and familiarity with the system but is still assessing whether Simmons’ versatility might be a better fit for a bench unit heavy on scoring guards.
The Knicks have financial room under the $207.8 million second apron to add one more veteran on a minimum deal and potentially sign a rookie free agent, with Kansas guard Kevin McCullar among the names mentioned.
However, adding more than one standard contract would require clearing space via trade, a scenario made more complicated after Mikal Bridges signed an extension, making him ineligible to be traded for six months.
All three two-way contract slots remain open, giving the front office additional flexibility heading into September.
Simmons is also drawing interest from the Sacramento Kings, per ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, but New York’s roster structure and market appeal may give them an edge.
