Ben Simmons Expected to Join Knicks on Veteran-Minimum Contract
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Veteran guard Ben Simmons is projected to sign a league-minimum deal with the New York Knicks, according to Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus.
Pincus called New York the most likely landing spot for the 28-year-old after also mentioning the Sacramento Kings as a possibility. Boston and Phoenix have likewise discussed the former No. 1 overall pick, league sources told Marc Stein in July.
Knicks Maintain Contact as Simmons Weighs Options
SNY’s Ian Begley reported last month that the Knicks have kept “strong interest” in Simmons and remain in touch with his agent, Bernie Lee, while waiting for his decision.
Recent Production Split Between Two Teams
Simmons opened last season with the Brooklyn Nets, appearing in 33 games and starting 24 before securing a buyout. He then joined the Los Angeles Clippers, logging 18 appearances off the bench. Across 51 contests, he averaged 5.0 points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.6 assists in 22 minutes, shooting 52 percent from the floor and 72.7 percent at the foul line.
Coming Off Max Extension
The Australian native just completed the final year of a five-year, $170 million maximum extension he signed with the Philadelphia 76ers in 2019, per Spotrac.
From Rising Star to Journeyman
Philadelphia selected Simmons first overall in the 2016 NBA Draft. He earned three All-Star selections, two All-Defensive honors and one All-NBA Third Team nod with the Sixers before injuries, mental health struggles and a 2021 trade request derailed his trajectory. Dealt to Brooklyn for James Harden in February 2022, Simmons missed that entire season with back issues and psychological concerns.
Over 383 career regular-season games, he holds averages of 13.1 points, 7.4 rebounds, 7.2 assists, 1.5 steals and 0.7 blocks.
New York’s Off-Season Context
The Knicks were eliminated by the Indiana Pacers in six games in the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals. Shortly after the defeat, the club dismissed head coach Tom Thibodeau and hired Mike Brown.
Source: Basketball Insiders
