Bobby Marks of ESPN reports that Ben Simmons remains one of nearly 75 players who ended last season on an NBA roster but are still without a contract for the upcoming year.
Marks pointed to a “numbers crunch” as the main factor, citing the 41 players from this year’s draft who have already signed guaranteed deals. Those rookie contracts have pushed several veterans, including Simmons, out of rotation for roster spots.
According to Marks, most teams have finalized their rosters or are restricted from signings due to salary cap constraints. The Lakers, for example, cannot add a player until January 18 despite having an open spot. Out of 442 players under contract for next season, 393 are on guaranteed deals, an average of 13.1 per team.
League sources told The Athletic’s James L. Edwards III that the New York Knicks are evaluating Simmons for their 15th and final standard roster spot. Discussions within the organization have also included guard Landry Shamet as an alternative.
SNY’s Ian Begley confirmed the Knicks plan to make a decision in the coming days. New York’s front office is weighing Shamet’s shooting against Simmons’ defensive versatility and ball-handling ability.
Simmons, 28, last played with the Los Angeles Clippers after signing a minimum deal in February. He appeared in 17 games, averaging 2.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.1 assists in limited minutes.
A former No. 1 overall pick, Simmons carries career averages of 13.1 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 7.2 assists across 317 games. He is a two-time All-Defensive First Team selection from his tenure with the Philadelphia 76ers.
Shamet, also 28, suited up in 50 games for New York last season after being acquired from Washington. He averaged 5.7 points while shooting 39.7% from three in 15.2 minutes per game.
The Knicks have room under the $207.8 million second apron to sign one more veteran on a minimum contract and potentially add a rookie free agent. Kansas guard Kevin McCullar is among the prospects linked to the team.
However, adding more than one standard contract would require a trade, a move complicated by Mikal Bridges’ recent contract extension, which prevents him from being traded for six months.
Simmons has also drawn interest from the Sacramento Kings, per ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, but New York’s roster makeup and market advantages could give them a stronger case.
