Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

New York Knicks Consider Signing Free Agent Ben Simmons to Final Roster Spot

Boston Celtics, Phoenix Suns, and Sacramento Kings are also interested in Simmons.

Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

New York Knicks signed a contract extension with Mikal Bridges on Thursday. However, the move did not impact the Knicks’ interest in another wing. This is because, according to Ian Begley, the franchise has “strong” interest in Ben Simmons, an unrestricted free agent who finished last season with the Los Angeles Clippers.

“Earlier this week, the New York Knicks continued to show strong interest in signing Simmons, while interested teams await his decision. He has attracted interest from several teams around the league. The Knicks also maintain interest in Landry Shamet for the final roster spot,” the journalist wrote.

The New York Knicks continue to show ‘strong’ interest in Ben Simmons, per @IanBegley

“Ben Simmons is certainly a candidate for the Knicks’ final roster spot. As of earlier this week, New York continued to show strong interest in signing Simmons as teams in on Simmons await his… pic.twitter.com/2XAHdQXLwn
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) July 31, 2025

Also Read: Mikal Bridges Signs Four-Year $150M Extension With Knicks, Leaves Money To Build Championship-Caliber Roster

New York Knicks Make Roster in Pursuit of Becoming Title Contender in NBA

However, the Knicks have competition for Simmons. Reportedly, the Boston Celtics, Phoenix Suns, and Sacramento Kings are also interested in the forward. Simmons started last season with the Brooklyn Nets on the final year of a five-year, $177 million contract. However, dissatisfied there, the forward signed a buyout and decided to join the Clippers, where he played 18 regular-season games and started five of seven playoff games.

In total, he played 51 games in 2024-25, averaging 5 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.6 assists. While these averages were the worst of his career, his total games played was the best since 2020-21. For the Knicks, Simmons could help the bench and bring more flexibility to the defense. However, it’s unlikely he’ll be a standout on a team competing for a title next season.

Knicks still looking at Ben Simmons

🗒️ On this roster he fits perfectly for what we have already can run lineups with OG,Mikal and Deuce

🗒️ Can play PG/SF/PF/C under Mike Brown

🗒️ Kat also makes Ben Simmons versatility needed and Brunson who both can play on ball off ball… pic.twitter.com/Ro2l44bSsj
— State from Harlem🇬🇭🗽 (@bmorelikestate) July 31, 2025

After returning to the Eastern Conference Finals after 25 years, the Knicks are looking better for 2025-26. The team fired Tom Thibodeau and brought in Mike Brown, one of the league’s best coaches. Furthermore, all the key players return, with the addition of Jordan Clarkson and Guerschon Yabusele, who bring more depth to the bench, a weak spot until now.

As such, the Knicks should be fighting for first place in the conference and are serious title contenders with a talented roster under a competent coach. While not perfect, Mike Brown should make better use of the team and build a team that leverages its players’ strengths without relying so heavily on individual plays like last year’s team.

Ben Simmons

NBA 2025-26

New York Knicks

Gulshan Sharma

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A native of Jaipur, Rajasthan, journalist, and a complete soccer and basketball fan, he found the huge interest with basketball by watching videos of Allen Iverson and Tony Parker, but fell head over heels in love with the sport during the Warriors’ championship era (2015-2018). A sports game addict since his late PS1, he’s also passionate about the Eagles, Inter Miami and the Fever. He’s fortunate to have seen all his favorite teams win championships. He also has a special love for cricket and football (soccer), where he is a fan of Royal Challengers Bangalore and Barcelona.