Ben Simmons Reportedly Linked to Knicks, Kings amid NBA Free Agency Rumors

Ben Simmons is no longer considered a game-changing franchise building block like he was early in his career, but multiple teams are reportedly still interested in him.

NBA insider Jake Fischer reported Thursday on Bleacher Report's livestream that the New York Knicks and Sacramento Kings have shown interest in the free agent as the offseason continues.

"For Ben Simmons, the two teams we're hearing for him still are Sacramento and New York," Fischer said. "We are still anticipating the Kings to be bringing in another veteran guard, and Ben Simmons is on that list of potential targets in addition to Russell Westbrook, to Malcolm Brogdon."

Ian Begley of SNY previously reported Simmons was a candidate for the Knicks given they still have a spot to offer at the veteran's minimum. Begley noted New York can still add one veteran minimum contract and one rookie contract to avoid triggering the salary cap's second apron.

Additionally, ESPN's Mark Jones appeared on Sactown Sports 1140 and said he has heard some "chatter" that the Kings might see Simmons as a worthwhile addition.

There was a time when most of the league likely would have been interested in the No. 1 overall pick of the 2016 NBA draft. After all, he was a Rookie of the Year, three-time All-Star and two-time All-Defensive selection during his first few seasons with the Philadelphia 76ers and seemed to be someone they would build around for years to come.

However, injuries and a reluctance to attack the basket as a scorer undercut that early momentum.

Simmons missed the 2021-22 campaign and played 42 games in 2022-23 and 15 games in 2023-24. That last season was seen as something of a bounce-back effort after he appeared in 51 contests and averaged 5.0 points, 5.6 assists and 4.7 rebounds for the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Clippers underscores how far his value has fallen from when he was a triple-double threat every time he stepped on the floor.

Still, the Knicks need depth after relying so much on their starters while advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals. And Simmons would provide the type of positional versatility that allows Mike Brown to mix and match different lineups.

As for the Kings, they could use additional playmakers to get the ball into the hands of Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan and Domantas Sabonis. Simmons can be a pass-first playmaker who either leads the second unit or earns some playing time with the primary options.

He may not be the franchise cornerstone that was expected earlier in his career, but the 28-year-old is still talented enough to be a depth option for potential contenders.

And that has reportedly caught the eye of a couple of teams looking for reinforcements after the initial waves of free agency.