A return to New York is possible for Ben Simmons, only this time it would be on the other side of the Brooklyn Bridge.
Watch the biggest Aussie sports & the best from overseas LIVE on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited time offer.
The Knicks have expressed interest in the polarising former Nets point guard in free agency, a league source confirmed Thursday to The Post.
Their interest in the three-time NBA All-Star was first reported by SNY.
The 28-year-old Simmons had the remainder of his $40 million salary bought out by the Nets in February, and the former NBA Rookie of the Year signed for the rest of the season with the Clippers.
The Knicks probably cannot afford to offer more than the veterans minimum to sign Simmons because the pending additions of Jordan Clarkson and Guerschon Yabusele in free agency put the team at the second apron for salary-cap purposes.
They will use their taxpayer mid-level exception to sign Yabusele to a two-year deal worth $12 million.
According to Law Murray of The Athletic, Simmons is “not looking for a minimum deal”.
The 6-10 Simmons was hampered by back problems and appeared in only 90 games over three seasons with the Nets — averaging 6.5 points and 6.3 assists — following his acquisition from the 76ers in the James Harden trade in 2022.
Aussies make huge statement in NBA draft | 02:21
Simmons, the No.1 overall pick by Philadelphia in the 2016 NBA Draft, joined Harden with the Clippers following his Brooklyn departure, averaging 16.4 minutes in 18 appearances.
The Knicks can turn their attention to adding a veteran point guard now that their coaching vacancy has been filled, with two-time NBA Coach of the Year Mike Brown set to be Tom Thibodeau’s replacement.
**This article first appeared on The New York Postand was reproduced with permission.