Knicks Coach Loved Free Agent Target at Last Stop

"I think that the combination of the shooting ... as well as his ability to play defense at a high clip are attractive to the Knicks," Robinson said on a recent appearance on the "NBA Economy Show" (h/t Let's Talk Knicks on X). "Hopefully, Ben Simmons makes his decision soon."

Simmons, who turned 29 last month, is at a crossroads in a career that began when he was the Philadelphia 76ers' top pick in the 2016 draft out of LSU. Simmons reached three All-Star teams but further momentum has been stifled by injuries, one that limited to 90 games over three seasons with the Knicks' crosstown rivals.

The former Tiger was bought out by the Nets in February after Brooklyn was left on the hook for a good bit of the five-year, $177 million he inked with the Sixers before they sent him to the city in the deal that acquired James Harden.

Nonetheless, Simmons has drawn significant interest from contending squads, including the Knicks, as the NBA offseason works through a stagnant period. Boston, Phoenix, and, ironically enough, Brown's successors in Sacramento are said to be interested in his services. In the Knicks' case, some view the battle being down between Simmons and incumbent backup Landry Shamet.

As it stands, New York's current roster allows to offer one more contract on a veteran's minimum, which would allow it to stay out of the restrictive second salary apron.