Ben Simmons is one of the last remaining big names available in free agency, even if he's more name than substance right now. Simmons started last year with the Brooklyn Nets before he was bought out and joined the LA Clippers.
At this point in Simmons' career, he's not the generational multi-positional point forward that he was when he entered the NBA, but he can still be a good defender and secondary playmaker in the right system.
Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints has reported that "Ben Simmons has drawn the most interest from the Boston Celtics and New York Knicks and is expected to choose where he will play during the 2025-26 season soon, sources said." Siegel guesses that Simmons will end up with the Knicks.
Los Angeles Clippers guard Ben Simmons
Apr 11, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Ben Simmons (25) during the third quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images / Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
Both of those teams would be interesting fits for Simmons. The Celtics emphasize spacing and three-point shooting, neither of which is Simmons' specialty. But the Celtics are in a reset year after Jayson Tatum tore his Achilles in the playoffs. They traded away Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porzingis, and other pieces in an effort to get under the tax line.
Ben Simmons’ Clippers debut:
12-7-6-3-1, 4/5 FG, 4/4 FT, 0 TOV pic.twitter.com/aREsiDZFGK
— Brett Usher (@UsherNBA) February 14, 2025
Because they're in a reset, they can afford to take a chance on someone like Simmons, who could give them some defensive versatility in their frontcourt, something they desperately need.
The Celtics just signed Chris Boucher to be a frontcourt option after trading away Porzingis to go with their center options of Luka Garza and Neemias Queta. Al Horford is expected to either retire or walk in free agency, so they need some more options.
The Knicks are favorites to sign Ben Simmons on a veteran minimum contract, per @BrettSiegelNBA
(h/t @Fullcourtpass) pic.twitter.com/wzdtvh2FJr
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) August 5, 2025
Meanwhile, the Knicks still have an open roster spot and could use more depth in their frontcourt. Their starting lineup is set in place with Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, Josh Hart, OG Anunoby, and Karl-Anthony Towns, with Mitchell Robinson and Deuce McBride as options off the bench.
They've made some signings this offseason to try and give them more depth, such as Guerschon Yabusele and Jordan Clarkson, but they could use another playable option. Simmons may not be a 20-30-minute player anymore, but he should be able to give a team 10 minutes or so.
Los Angeles Clippers guard Ben Simmons
Apr 5, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Ben Simmons (25) looks on during the first half against the Dallas Mavericks at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images / Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
And with Tom Thibodeau no longer the head coach in New York, you can expect the Knicks to actually use their depth. They mostly held up last season health-wise, but that's never a guarantee. They could also use some development from someone like Tyler Kolek to give them another option.
Ben Simmons probably fits better with the Knicks, just because he wouldn't be in a foreign system like Joe Mazzulla's would be in Boston.
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