Apr 11, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Ben Simmons (25) during the third quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

New York Knicks Named 'Best Fit' for 3x NBA All-Star Ben Simmons

Originally posted on Los Angeles Clippers on SI
By Logan Struck | Last updated Jul 25, 2025 2:29 PM ET

The New York Knicks finally broke their dreadful Eastern Conference Finals drought in the 2025 NBA playoffs after not making it to that stage since 2000. Still, however, the franchise was not pleased. The Knicks immediately parted ways with head coach Tom Thibodeau and ultimately hired Mike Brown as his replacement, and the team has since been looking for roster upgrades.

The Knicks have brought in Jordan Clarkson and Guerschon Yabusele this offseason, but are still limited to their moves due to a very expensive, top-heavy roster. Now, in late July, there is still one cheap free agent that could fit their mold.

The Ben Simmons sweepstakes are heating up, and he’s expected to make a decision on where he’ll be taking his talents within the next week, per @WindhorstESPN

“I’m told he’s probably going to make a choice in the next week. Kings, Suns, Knicks & Celtics have all been connected… pic.twitter.com/WDoqnwc2a4
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) July 23, 2025

The Knicks have recently been linked to three-time NBA All-Star Ben Simmons, who is still sitting on the open market after a short stint with the LA Clippers. Through 18 appearances in LA, Simmons averaged 2.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 0.7 steals in 16.4 minutes per game, but his defensive versatility and playmaking at his size have garnered some attention in free agency.

CBS Sports' Sam Quinn recently named the Knicks as the "best fit" for Ben Simmons.

"How about the Knicks? The key to maximizing Simmons will be surrounding him with shooting," Quinn wrote. "...Perhaps New York could lean on Simmons as a creator when Jalen Brunson goes to the bench. He gives them yet another big wing to deploy defensively, and if they want to switch as much as they did in the later stages of the postseason, Simmons can do so.

"The pressure of Madison Square Garden is a potential issue, but we're talking about a 10-15-minute reserve here, not a star. It's a low-risk, high-reward gamble."

The Knicks have checked in on Ben Simmons in free agency, reports @IanBegley pic.twitter.com/qZxOkvcTKe
— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) July 2, 2025

The Knicks' problem recently has been their weaker bench unit, as they overload their starters, but with new head coach Mike Brown running the system, he will certainly want a more balanced attack from his reserves. While Simmons is not the most intriguing option, he has the tools to be a valuable player in the right system.

This article first appeared on Los Angeles Clippers on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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