Report: 'Mutual Interest' Between New York Knicks And Former All-NBA Free Agent

The NBA offseason is a time for bold rumors, but few have been as polarizing as the recent reports of “mutual interest” between the New York Knicks and former All-Star Ben Simmons. For a team coming off a strong playoff run and looking to take the next step, the idea of signing one of the league’s most enigmatic players is a fascinating, high-risk, high-reward proposition.

Simmons, once a franchise cornerstone, has seen his career derailed by injuries and on-court struggles, making him a free agent for the first time. Could a move to the bright lights of Madison Square Garden be the catalyst for a career revival? Let’s dive into Simmons’ tumultuous journey, why the Knicks might be intrigued, and what this unlikely pairing could mean for both sides.

New York Knicks Interested In Ben Simmons?

To understand the debate around Simmons, you have to look at his entire career arc. Drafted number one overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2016, he was hailed as a generational talent—a 6-foot-10 point guard with elite court vision, lockdown defensive potential, and freight-train athleticism. After missing his first season with a foot injury, he won Rookie of the Year and quickly became a perennial All-Star.

Alongside Joel Embiid, Simmons led the 76ers to several playoff appearances. He was a triple-double threat every night and was named to the All-Defensive First Team twice. However, his career took a sharp turn during the 2021 playoffs. His refusal to shoot open shots, culminating in a passed-up dunk opportunity against the Atlanta Hawks, led to a public fallout with the 76ers organization.

That incident marked the beginning of his struggles. A contentious holdout led to a trade to the Brooklyn Nets, but his time there was plagued by a persistent back injury that severely limited his availability and on-court impact. After being bought out by the Nets, he had a brief, uneventful stint with the L.A. Clippers to close the 2024-25 season. Now, at 29, the three-time All-Star finds himself at a career crossroads, looking for an opportunity to prove he can still be an impactful player.

Why the Knicks Might Be Interested

On the surface, the Knicks’ interest seems counterintuitive. They’ve built a culture around grit, accountability, and relentless effort—qualities that critics have questioned in Simmons. However, a deeper look reveals why team president Leon Rose might be willing to take a low-risk flier.

First, the cost would be minimal. Ben Simmons would likely sign for the veteran’s minimum, making it a low-financial-risk move for the New York Knicks. This isn’t about giving a max contract to a superstar; it’s about acquiring a former elite talent on a “prove-it” deal.

Second, Simmons’ skill set, when he’s healthy, fills a specific need for New York. The Knicks are a team built around Jalen Brunson’s scoring and Julius Randle’s offensive firepower. They could benefit from a high-level facilitator and versatile defender who doesn’t need the ball to be effective. In theory, Simmons could run the fast break, create easy looks for shooters, and guard the opposing team’s best player from positions one through four. His defensive prowess would be a perfect fit for system.

Finally, the Knicks have a strong, established culture. The leadership of Brunson and a stable core could provide the structure and accountability that Simmons may need to thrive. If any environment can get the most out of him, it might just be the no-nonsense world of the New York Knicks.

What This Could Mean for Simmons and the Knicks

For Ben Simmons, a move to the Knicks represents a potential lifeline. It’s a chance to join a winning team where he wouldn’t be expected to be the primary star. His role would be clearly defined: facilitate, defend, and use your unique physical gifts to make the team better. Playing at Madison Square Garden would put him on the biggest stage, and if he succeeds, it would be one of the greatest comeback stories in recent NBA history.

For the Knicks, the upside is tantalizing. If Simmons can return to even 75% of his All-Star form, he would be an incredible asset off the bench. He could lead the second unit, provide defensive versatility that they currently lack, and give them another ball-handler to take pressure off Brunson. He would be the ultimate wild card in a tough Eastern Conference.

Of course, the risks are significant. Ben Simmons’ health remains a major question mark, as back injuries are notoriously difficult to manage. Furthermore, his well-documented reluctance to shoot could disrupt the offensive flow. But on a minimum contract, it’s a risk that a confident, established team like the Knicks can afford to take.

The rumor of mutual interest is just that—a rumor. But it’s one that makes a strange kind of sense. It’s a classic low-risk, high-reward scenario that could either fizzle out or become the most compelling storyline of the upcoming NBA season.