TITLE: Haliburton Shares Rehab Progress; Simmons Linked to Knicks, Westbrook to Kings in Latest NBA Buzz
SLUG: haliburton-rehab-simmons-knicks-westbrook-kings
CONTENT:
Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton has taken a visible step in his recovery from a torn right Achilles, posting a video of himself shooting free throws as part of his rehab program. The 24-year-old All-NBA Third Team selection suffered the injury in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder and is expected to miss the entire 2025-26 season.
Haliburton averaged 18.6 points and 9.2 assists last year, guiding Indiana past Milwaukee, Cleveland and New York on the way to the franchise’s first Finals appearance since 2000. With Haliburton sidelined and center Myles Turner now in Milwaukee, the Pacers enter the new campaign without two of their core contributors.
Ben Simmons Reportedly on Knicks’ Radar
Free-agent forward Ben Simmons is “most likely” to land with the New York Knicks, according to Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus. Simmons split last season between the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Clippers, producing 5.0 points and 5.6 assists in limited minutes. The 28-year-old former All-Star is expected to command only a minimum contract. Pincus also mentioned the Sacramento Kings as a potential suitor, but projected Simmons to New York for depth and defense.
Westbrook Could Bolster Kings’ Bench
Pincus additionally linked Russell Westbrook to Sacramento. The veteran guard, 36, is viewed as a candidate for a two-year minimum deal that would include a player option. The Kings need a reserve behind newly signed starter Dennis Schröder, and Westbrook’s up-tempo style could fit that role. He played 75 games for the Denver Nuggets last season, averaging 13.3 points and 6.1 assists while coming off the bench.
No agreements have been reached, but both Simmons and Westbrook are expected to weigh veteran-minimum offers as teams finalize rosters ahead of training camp.
Source: Hoops Wire
