Feb 13, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; LA Clippers guard/forward Ben Simmons (25) dribbles against the Utah Jazz during the second half at the Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Creveling-Imagn Images

'Mike Brown Once Salivated Over the Idea of Adding Him' – New York Knicks Continue to Keep Tabs on 3-Time NBA All-Star, Per Insider

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Sep 7, 2025 11:53 PM ET

The New York Knicks reportedly remain intrigued with the idea of signing free agent Ben Simmons, despite rumors of him contemplating retirement.

According to Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson, the two parties have been in talks for weeks on a potential deal. New York Knicks head coach Mike Brown reportedly has long coveted Simmons’ skillset when he was still with the Sacramento Kings.

“The New York Knicks have emerged as one of the leading suitors for former All-Star Ben Simmons, league sources tell me, with both sides showing mutual interest as recently as last month about one of the team’s final roster spots,” Robinson reported.

Feb 13, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Jazz guard Keyonte George (3) defends LA Clippers guard/forward Ben Simmons (25) during the first half at the Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Creveling-Imagn Images

“New Knicks head coach Mike Brown once ‘salivated’ over the idea of adding Simmons when he was running the Sacramento Kings, and the franchise now views the 29-year-old playmaker as a potential low-risk, high-reward addition to its roster,” he added.

New York Knicks urged to look past Ben Simmons and Russell Westbrook for final roster spot

As things stand, the New York Knicks have one open roster spot, and the team has been linked to a move with Ben Simmons or Russell Westbrook. According to Sam Amico of Hoops Wire, Simmons and Westbrook may continue to be free agents because they’re not keen on signing a veteran’s minimum.

Mar 23, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook (4) reacts to a fan during the game against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

“Look, this isn’t 2017 or 2019 anymore,” a scout told Hoops Wire. “If Westbrook goes unsigned, or Simmons, it’s not that big of a deal. You can find younger guys like them for cheaper.”

“It’s nothing personal. But everyone gets old, and with Simmons, there are some major flaws there that aren’t ever going away. So why not give someone else a try?” he added.