Knicks Have 'Checked In' on Former No. 1 Overall Pick During Free Agency

New York has also been active in free agency as they signed Jordan Clarkson after his contract was bought out by the Utah Jazz and they also landed Guerschon Yabusele.

It is clear with these moves that the Knicks are looking to upgrade their depth, which was a major issue last season.

The Knicks have been linked to other players in free agency, such as Russell Westbrook, but they have also emerged as a potential landing spot for a former first overall pick.

According to Knicks insider Ian Begley, New York has checked in on Ben Simmons during free agency.

Of course, Simmons was the first overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers but since being traded from Philadelphia in 2022, he has struggled with injuries and his play has also declined.

Last season, Simmons began the season with the Brooklyn Nets but he was bought out by the team midway through the season, allowing him to sign with the Los Angeles Clippers.

In 18 games for the Clippers, the 28-year-old averaged 2.9 points, 3.8 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game while shooting 43.4% from the field.

While Simmons is no longer the player that he was during his time with the 76ers, he would still be a solid addition to New York’s bench due to his playmaking skills and defensive abilities, which the Knicks could use.

Despite this, it has been reported that Simmons does not want to sign a veteran’s minimum contract this summer, which may cause the Knicks to look elsewhere to upgrade their depth.