East Contender Named Among Teams That Should Pursue Ben Simmons in Free Agency

Of course, Simmons is no longer the All-Star caliber player that he was earlier in his career but he is still a solid player off the bench for a contending team to consider this offseason at a cheap price.

Knicks named among teams that should pursue Ben Simmons in free agency

While there have reportedly been many teams showing interest in Simmons this offseason, the New York Knicks have been the main team linked to the three-time All-Star and Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus recently named them as a team that should target him this offseason.

“One of the Knicks' most significant weaknesses last season was a lack of playmaking on the roster. Simmons could relieve some of that pressure, with the size to play alongside (Jalen) Brunson or entirely with the second unit to help generate offense,” Pincus wrote. “Before acquiring Karl-Anthony Towns, the Knicks were primarily known as a grind-it-out defensive unit. That shifted to more of an offense-first squad, but the team still has plenty of strong wing defenders like Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby. S immons adds to that group while also addressing a need on offense.”

Pincus makes a great point about how the Knicks have lacked a playmaker on their roster outside of Brunson and Simmons would be able to provide that to their roster if they sign him.

The 29-year-old can play the point guard position or both forward positions which the Knicks could use off the bench, especially for his defense as they try to build off their trip to the Eastern Conference Finals last season.

Of course, the Knicks can only offer Simmons a minimum contract to fill their final roster spot but there is no doubt that he would be a solid addition to their roster due to his defense and playmaking abilities.

Despite this, New York has many options to choose from for their final roster spot and they could choose to go in a different direction than Simmons.