The Knicks’ interest in Ben Simmons reportedly wasn’t mutual.
Simmons — an unrestricted free agent and former No. 1 overall pick — declined New York’s offer for the team’s final minimum-salary roster spot, according to longtime NBA reporter Marc Stein.
The former Sixers All-Star, who was traded to Brooklyn in the James Harden deal, remains unsigned after a brief stint with the Clippers following his buyout with the Nets.
Which means the Knicks — who initially targeted Jason Kidd to replace Tom Thibodeau before pivoting to hire Mike Brown — must now shift course again as they search for the final piece of what they hope is a championship puzzle built around Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns.
Simmons’ game is built around size, defensive versatility, playmaking, and pushing the pace in transition off opponent misses. He’s not a shooter — nor a scorer — and he’s reportedly considering retirement. But his profile offers a glimpse into the type of player Leon Rose’s front office may be targeting: a big wing or forward with defensive chops and connective tissue on offense.
The Knicks have one of the strongest first-nines in the league. OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, and one of Josh Hart or Mitchell Robinson will likely start alongside Brunson and Towns. The other will come off the bench alongside Jordan Clarkson, Guerschon Yabusele, and Miles McBride.
But the league is moving toward deeper rotations — both the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers leaned on 10-man lineups last season — and after the ninth man, the Knicks are leaning on untested youth: second-year players Tyler Kolek, Pacome Dadiet, and Ariel Hukporti, with two-way contract decisions pending on Kevin McCullar Jr., James Nnaji, and Mohamed Diawara (No. 51 pick in 2025).
Which brings us back to the Knicks’ final minimum slot — and how the depth chart currently shakes out:
In the back court: Brunson, Clarkson, McBride, with Kolek behind them
On the wings: Wings: Bridges, Anunoby, Hart, with Dadiet in reserve
At forward, there is crossover: Anunoby and Hart could play these minutes, but Yabusele is the bruising four, and the Knicks could also go double-big with Towns and Robinson.
And at the five: Towns and Robinson will handle most center duties, with Yabusele as a small-ball five and Hukporti as the third-string option
The forward spot has question marks — and that puts additional strain on the wings.
Simmons could have helped absorb some of that burden, at least on the nights he was available. Now that he’s out of the picture, the market thins quickly.
The best remaining forward options? Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, Torrey Craig, Bol Bol, and Dalano Banton — none of whom move the needle much.
The guard market is a little more interesting: Russell Westbrook is still unsigned and could be a backup ball-handler behind Brunson. Westbrook’s profile as an uber athletic play-maker mirrors that of Simmons, without the advantageous positional size.
One intriguing fit? De’Anthony Melton — a two-way guard who can score in bunches and bring defensive edge. Thomas Bryant also remains available after a Finals run in Indiana and could give New York a stretch-five option — particularly useful insurance if Towns battles foul trouble or if Robinson requires load management.
Of the available free agents, Melton, Westbrook and Bryant would make the most compelling cases for regular season minutes on a title contending team — and the Knicks don’t appear keen on using their final minimum spot on a player set to ride the bench (though if they were to do so, bringing back P.J. Tucker for locker room vibes would be a no-brainer).
With the preseason opener on Oct. 2 fast approaching, the Knicks still have a move to make. Simmons said no — but New York is still looking for the right finishing piece on a roster that just made the Eastern Conference Finals.
That piece may not be sitting in the free-agent bin in late August. But if not, expect the Knicks to be aggressive again midseason — if the right name becomes available to push them closer to their first NBA Finals berth in 25 years.
