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4 NBA Teams That Should Claim This Divisive Former No. 1 Pick
In 2019-20, Ben Simmons earned All-NBA Third Team honors with the Philadelphia 76ers. Several years later, he's still a free agent in mid-August, seeking the opportunity to keep his career alive. The buzz has Simmons landing a spot with one of a few teams before October.
At 6'10", Simmons is a polarizing player as a non-shooting point guard with the size to play any position, including center. He was twice named to the NBA's All-Defensive First Team, though injuries (back) have hurt his mobility and availability in recent years.
At full strength, he can impact the game on both ends of the floor, though the league hasn't been kind to those who don't shoot the three-point shot. Simmons, 29, played 33 games last year for the Brooklyn Nets and 18 for the LA Clippers after a buyout. But the Clippers acquired Chris Paul, John Collins and Brook Lopez this offseason, eliminating the need for Simmons and his unique positionality.
The following is a list of teams that could end up landing Simmons next month.
No. 1: Sacramento Kings
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The Kings have 12 players under guaranteed contracts, plus Keon Ellis, whose non-guaranteed $2.3 million is a lock for the regular season. Simmons could displace Terence Davis II or Isaac Jones, who need to earn their spots in Sacramento.
After trading Tyrese Haliburton for Domantas Sabonis in 2022, effectively choosing to build around De'Aaron Fox, the Kings moved Fox to the San Antonio Spurs in February. The team pivoted to Dennis Schröder in free agency (technically via sign-and-trade with the Detroit Pistons), with combo guard Ellis and second-year point Devin Carter behind him.
Additionally, the Kings need defensive help alongside Sabonis, who is an elite big-man scorer but not a rim protector. Simmons may not space the floor well, but he would provide a lot of what the team doesn't have in size, toughness and playmaking ability.
Sacramento also has enough room under the luxury tax to pay Simmons slightly more than the $3.3 million minimum for players with nine years of service, should the final decision come down to finances.
No. 2: New York Knicks
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One of the Knicks' most significant weaknesses last season was a lack of playmaking on the roster. Outside of star guard Jalen Brunson's 7.3 assists per game, the only high-assist teammate he had was Josh Hart at 5.9. Recently signed guard Jordan Clarkson is a bench scorer first and foremost, not a shot creator for others.
Simmons could relieve some of that pressure, with the size to play alongside Brunson or entirely with the second unit to help generate offense. Before acquiring Karl-Anthony Towns, the Knicks were primarily known as a grind-it-out defensive unit. That shifted to more of an offense-first squad, but the team still has plenty of strong wing defenders like Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby. Simmons adds to that group while also addressing a need on offense.
New York is closer to a championship than the Kings, but it doesn’t have more than a minimum salary to offer.
No. 3: Golden State Warriors
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The Warriors have done almost nothing this offseason, holding their cards until the Jonathan Kuminga situation is resolved. If the team retains the restricted free agent, the payroll will be significantly higher than if he leaves outright (though a sign-and-trade could also increase salary). The team is believed to have deals in place with Al Horford, De'Anthony Melton, and Gary Payton II, but first must let the Kuminga saga play out.
Without Kuminga, Golden State needs to fill 2-3 roster spots. Simmons is similar in many ways to Draymond Green. Neither has earned their contracts through individual scoring, but through defense and playmaking. With an elite shooter like Steph Curry and a tough all-around competitor like Jimmy Butler, Golden State is a formidable contender in the Western Conference when healthy.
Simmons wouldn't fit alongside Green, but could be a valuable reserve behind him, so that the team doesn't need to alter its style of play. Green is willing to take the outside shot, make or miss, the one glaring difference between the two.
No. 4: Minnesota Timberwolves
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The Timberwolves have a defense-first mentality, with Rudy Gobert and Jaden McDaniels providing tremendous rim protection. After back-to-back Western Conference Finals appearances, Minnesota has one clear need to fill. Mike Conley, one of the great pros of the last two decades, is nearing 38.
Simmons may not answer that question long-term, but he could provide backup support at point guard, while adding the defensive profile the team is known for. Minnesota, close to the second apron ($207.8 million), may not offer more than the minimum, but the franchise needs to lock in a 14th player before the start of the regular season.
Email Eric Pincus at eric.pincus@gmail.com and follow him on X @EricPincus and Bluesky.
