Sacramento Kings: Micah Nori, Chris Quinn Top Names To Replace Mike Brown 3 Dec 21, 2024; Sacramento, California, USA; Sacramento Kings head coach Mike Brown calls for a foul during the fourth quarter of the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images

'They Have Continued to Touch Base' – New York Knicks Labeled as Potential Free Agent Destination for 3-Time NBA All-Star

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Jul 17, 2025 7:53 AM ET

Fresh from their deepest playoff run since 2000, the New York Knicks plan to build on it by being active in the market this offseason.

After replacing head coach Tom Thibodeau with Mike Brown and signing free agents Jordan Clarkson and Guerschon Yabusele to new deals, the New York Knicks have been recently linked with a potential move to get Ben Simmons , who played for the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Clippers last season.

“Also, the Knicks have enough money for one veteran minimum contract and one rookie contract before they reach the second apron. They have been in touch with players who can fill a backup guard role in free agency,” SNY’s Ian Begley wrote in his column.

Ben Simmons Mercilessly Clowned After Blowing Easy Layup in Nets-76ers 11 Nov 22, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Simmons (10) dribbles the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers during the first quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

“Who might the Knicks sign with that veteran’s minimum deal? They have continued to touch base with Ben Simmons during the free agency period. I’m sure they have touched base with other vets as well,” he added.

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In the same SNY column, Ian Begley also mentioned that free agent Landry Shamet is keen on returning to the New York Knicks next season.

NBA News: New York Knicks Insider Gives a Timeline on Jalen Brunson's Return 2 Jan 27, 2025; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Landry Shamet (44) dribbles against Memphis Grizzlies center Zach Edey (14) during the second half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

“For what it’s worth, the Knicks don’t seem to be exclusively focused on ball-handling guards with that last spot. New York still sees Landry Shamet as a possibility, and Shamet remains open to returning to New York,” Begley reported.

In his first full season with the New York Knicks, Shamet averaged 5.7 points and 1.2 rebounds while shooting 46.1 percent from the field and 39.7 percent from three-point land across 50 regular season appearances.