Ben Simmons’ free agency has been a trending topic of NBA free agency, with a new wrinkle now coming in late in the offseason.
According to SNY’s Ian Begley, the Knicks have not made a formal offer to Simmons in free agency, which refutes a prior report from Marc Stein claiming that Simmons had turned down a one-year offer from the Knicks.
The Knicks still have one roster spot remaining to fill before next season starts, and Simmons has been heavily linked as a potential target for the team. They’ve also been linked to Malcolm Brogdon, and Landry Shamet — who played for the Knicks last season.
Simmons can still provide an impact in a limited role
Simmons averaged 5.0 points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.6 assists per game last season in 51 appearances split between the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Clippers. The three-time All-Star has had an interesting free agency, and has even considered possibly ending his basketball career. Simmons has seen the last few seasons of his career riddled with injuries, and inconsistent performances.
Whether the Knicks continue to pursue Simmons or not, they’ll look to fill that final roster spot with a quality depth piece as they look to contend in the Eastern Conference next season. The Knicks are coming off of one of their best seasons in franchise history, reaching the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2000, and will now look to win their first title since 1973 next season.