Jalen Brunson of the Knicks
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The Knicks have one of the NBA's biggest stars in Jalen Brunson, which is great, but they're being urged on a "pressing problem" with him.
The New York Knicks are in touch with former No. 1 overall pick Ben Simmons to fill out one of their final two roster spots, according to SNY’s Ian Begley.
While answering mailbag questions, Begley noted that the Knicks had earmarked Simmons among four players they’re targeting with veteran minimum deals. Also on that list is guard Landry Shamet, who part of the roster in the 2024-25 campaign.
“They have continued to touch base with Ben Simmons during the free agency period,” Begley responded.
“I’m sure they have touched base with other vets as well. Chris Paul and Russell Westbrook are among the lead guards still on the market. Teams are wondering if Washington will agree to a buyout with veteran guard Marcus Smart. For what it’s worth, the Knicks don’t seem to be exclusively focused on ball-handling guards with that last spot. New York still sees Landry Shamet as a possibility and Shamet remains open to returning to New York.”
Ben Simmons Can Be Valuable
Although Simmons is no longer the same player he was in his early years with the Philadelphia 76ers, the three-time All-Star can still be a valuable piece for a contender, specifically as a second-unit point guard and defensive menace.
Simmons fulfilled that role for the Los Angeles Clippers in 2024-25, averaging 3.0 points, 3.8 rebounds and 3.1 assists from just 16.4 minutes per night. The 6-foot-10 Aussie also played some minutes at center for the Clippers, doubling up both as a rim protector and rim runner, while also setting screens for the likes of James Harden.
That would explain why the Warriors also have an interest in Simmons.
“Outside of players like Malcolm Brogdon, Trey Lyles, and Gary Payton II, who we previously reported as potential free-agent targets for the Warriors this offseason, two other interesting names were brought up in conversations during the first two days of NBA Summer League: Seth Curry and Ben Simmons,” ClutchPoints’ Brett Siege wrote on July 12
Knicks Roster Taking Shape
As of July 15, the Knicks had 12 players on the roster, including recently signed free agents Guerschon Yabusele and Jordan Clarkson. While Yabusele signed with New York on a two-year, $11.2 million deal, Clarkson signed a 1-year, $3.6 million deal.
Yabusele had several interested suitors, including the 76ers, but he chose to sign with New York for a specific reason, as he relayed to EuroBasket’sArthur Puybertier.
“When you look at New York, you can already see that the franchise has risen a lot in recent years,” Yabusele said.
“They are conference finalists; the collective project is visible and very interesting for me. They are a very good team that plays very well together and is playing for the title! Having this goal was something important for me, I want to play for something.”
Yabusele added, “Apart from that, New York is a historic team. Playing at Madison Square Garden is the dream of every NBA player, including mine! It’s a special place, I’m very happy to be there!”
The additions of Yabusele and Clarkson have made the Knicks joint-betting favorites to represent the East in the 2026 NBA Finals. With the Celtics and Pacers expected not to contend due to injuries, the Knicks may have their easiest path back to the NBA Finals since their last appearance in 2000.