New York Knicks Continue to Show Strong Interest in Ben Simmons

The New York Knicks continue to show strong interest in Ben Simmons, according to NBA reporter Ian Begley of SNY.

Simmons is an unrestricted free agent. He played for the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Clippers last season.

“Ben Simmons is certainly a candidate for the Knicks’ final roster spot,” Begley wrote. “As of earlier this week, New York continued to show strong interest in signing Simmons as teams in on Simmons await his decision. He’s garnered interest from several teams around the league.”

Simmons appeared in 33 games with the Nets last season before getting bought out. The lefty signed with the Clippers and played in 18 games with them.

A three-time All-Star, Simmons averaged 5.0 points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.6 assists with the Nets and Clippers last season while shooting 52.0% from the field and 72.7% from the free-throw line. He recorded one double-double.

Simmons used to be one of the top players in the NBA. He was the first pick in the 2016 draft by the Philadelphia 76ers and made three All-Star teams, two All-Defensive teams and one All-NBA team with the Sixers.

However, everything changed in the 2021 playoffs. Simmons lost confidence offensively and dealt with mental health issues. He requested a trade from the Sixers in 2021 and was traded to the Nets for James Harden.

Simmons missed the entire 2021-22 season due to mental health and back issues. He has career averages of 13.1 points, 7.4 rebounds and 7.2 assists with the Sixers, Nets and Clippers.

It will be fascinating to see where Simmons plays next season. His agent is Bernie Lee.

The Knicks lost to the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals last season. They fired Tom Thibodeau as head coach and hired Mike Brown.