Knicks Emerge as Potential Free Agent Suitor for Former No. 1 Overall Pick: Report

To fix this issue, the Knicks signed both Jordan Clarkson and Guerschon Yabusele in free agency to upgrade their backcourt and frontcourt depth entering next season.

With these moves, the Knicks are expected to be a top team in the East next season but they still have one open roster spot that they are expected to use to add another veteran to their second unit this summer.

Knicks targeting Ben Simmons in free agency

New York has been linked to many different players that they could sign to fill their final roster spot but one player has continued to come up in rumors.

That player is former first overall pick Ben Simmons and according to ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel, the Knicks are a known suitor for him in free agency.

Siegel also mentioned that the Sacramento Kings are likely to be a suitor for Simmons in free agency as well and that the Boston Celtics have also been in the mix for him, though other teams could also show interest as the 2025-26 season nears.

For the Knicks, adding Simmons would give them another big man off the bench who is a great defender and would also give them some much-needed playmaking in their second unit.

Of course, Simmons is no longer the All-Star caliber player that he was earlier in his career but he proved last season with the Los Angeles Clippers that he can still be a key player off the bench for a contending team.

Last season, the 29-year-old forward averaged 5.0 points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.6 assists per game while shooting 52.0% from the field over 51 games with the Clippers and Brooklyn Nets.

The former Rookie of the Year winner would give New York another big man off the bench to upgrade their frontcourt and Simmons can also slot in as the backup point guard behind Brunson due to his elite playmaking skills.

While the Knicks are reportedly targeting Simmons this summer, they could also look elsewhere to fill their final roster spot, especially if he is looking for a contract more than the veteran’s minimum, which is all New York can offer.