The Knicks’ curiosity in Ben Simmons reportedly wasn’t mutual.
Simmons — an unrestricted free agent and former No. 1 total choose — declined New York’s provide for the workforce’s remaining minimum-salary roster spot, in response to longtime NBA reporter Marc Stein.
The previous Sixers All-Star, who was traded to Brooklyn within the James Harden deal, stays unsigned after a quick stint with the Clippers following his buyout with the Nets.
Which implies the Knicks — who initially focused Jason Kidd to switch Tom Thibodeau earlier than pivoting to rent Mike Brown — should now shift course once more as they seek for the ultimate piece of what they hope is a championship puzzle constructed round Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Cities.
Simmons’ sport is constructed round measurement, defensive versatility, playmaking, and pushing the tempo in transition off opponent misses. He’s not a shooter — nor a scorer — and he’s reportedly contemplating retirement. However his profile provides a glimpse into the kind of participant Leon Rose’s entrance workplace could also be concentrating on: a giant wing or ahead with defensive chops and connective tissue on offense.
The Knicks have one of many strongest first-nines within the league. OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, and one among Josh Hart or Mitchell Robinson will possible begin alongside Brunson and Cities. The opposite will come off the bench alongside Jordan Clarkson, Guerschon Yabusele, and Miles McBride.
However the league is transferring towards deeper rotations — each the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder and Indiana Pacers leaned on 10-man lineups final season — and after the ninth man, the Knicks are leaning on untested youth: second-year gamers Tyler Kolek, Pacome Dadiet, and Ariel Hukporti, with two-way contract selections pending on Kevin McCullar Jr., James Nnaji, and Mohamed Diawara (No. 51 choose in 2025).
Which brings us again to the Knicks’ remaining minimal slot — and the way the depth chart at the moment shakes out:
Within the again courtroom: Brunson, Clarkson, McBride, with Kolek behind themOn the wings: Wings: Bridges, Anunoby, Hart, with Dadiet in reserveAt ahead, there may be crossover: Anunoby and Hart might play these minutes, however Yabusele is the bruising 4, and the Knicks might additionally go double-big with Cities and Robinson.And on the 5: Cities and Robinson will deal with most heart duties, with Yabusele as a small-ball 5 and Hukporti because the third-string possibility
The ahead spot has query marks — and that places further pressure on the wings.
Simmons might have helped take in a few of that burden, a minimum of on the nights he was out there. Now that he’s out of the image, the market thins rapidly.
The very best remaining ahead choices? Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, Torrey Craig, Bol Bol, and Dalano Banton — none of whom transfer the needle a lot.
The guard market is a bit more attention-grabbing: Russell Westbrook remains to be unsigned and may very well be a backup ball-handler behind Brunson. Westbrook’s profile as an uber athletic play-maker mirrors that of Simmons, with out the advantageous positional measurement.
One intriguing match? De’Anthony Melton — a two-way guard who can rating in bunches and produce defensive edge. Thomas Bryant additionally stays out there after a Finals run in Indiana and will give New York a stretch-five possibility — significantly helpful insurance coverage if Cities battles foul bother or if Robinson requires load administration.
Of the out there free brokers, Melton, Westbrook and Bryant would take advantage of compelling instances for normal season minutes on a title contending workforce — and the Knicks don’t seem eager on utilizing their remaining minimal spot on a participant set to journey the bench (although in the event that they have been to take action, bringing again P.J. Tucker for locker room vibes could be a no brainer).
With the preseason opener on Oct. 2 quick approaching, the Knicks nonetheless have a transfer to make. Simmons mentioned no — however New York remains to be in search of the appropriate ending piece on a roster that simply made the Japanese Convention Finals.
That piece might not be sitting within the free-agent bin in late August. But when not, anticipate the Knicks to be aggressive once more midseason — if the appropriate title turns into out there to push them nearer to their first NBA Finals berth in 25 years.
