With three-time All-Star Ben Simmons unlikely to join the New York Knicks, attention has shifted to two veteran free agents as top candidates for the team’s final roster spot, according to SNY’s Ian Begley.
Landry Shamet and former Sixth Man of the Year Malcolm Brogdon are on New York’s radar.
Begley reported Monday that while the Knicks “have had dialogue” with Simmons during the offseason, the club never made a formal offer.
“The Knicks have had dialogue with free agent Ben Simmons over the course of the offseason and certainly have had interest in him, but the club has never made a formal offer to Simmons, per league sources. Landry Shamet, Malcolm Brogdon among those on NYK radar for its lone roster spot,” Begley wrote on X.
Longtime NBA insider Marc Stein previously reported that Simmons had “passed on” a one-year veteran minimum deal from New York. Simmons, a former Rookie of the Year, has struggled with injuries and mental health issues in recent seasons, complicating his market.
Shamet Brings Bench Stability
Getty ImagesThe Knicks are interested in re-signing Landry Shamet to fill out their roster for 2025-26.
Shamet, 28, signed a veteran minimum deal with the Knicks last year and provided one of the few bright spots on an otherwise struggling bench. He averaged 5.7 points and shot 39.7% from three-point range for New York’s second unit, which ranked last in scoring during the 2024-25 season.
Shamet’s ability to stretch the floor and provide consistent guard play makes him a familiar option for the Knicks, who are seeking a low-risk addition to their rotation.
Brogdon’s Experience and Defensive Prowess
GettyFormer Sixth Man of the Year Malcolm Brogdon is on the New York Knicks’ radar.
Brogdon, 32, is coming off an injury-riddled season that limited him to 24 games with the Washington Wizards. He averaged 12.7 points, 4.1 assists, and 3.8 rebounds while shooting 28.6% from three-point range. Brogdon missed the final 28 games due to a left ankle sprain and has not played more than 70 games in a season since his rookie year.
When healthy, Brogdon provides experience, floor spacing, and perimeter defense off the bench. His 6-foot-10.5 wingspan and versatility make him a potential asset for a Knicks second unit that struggled with scoring and defensive consistency last season.
Knicks’ Limited Cap Room
The Knicks had considered Simmons as a potential option to add size and playmaking to the second unit. Their bench was already bolstered this offseason with the signings of veteran forward Guerschon Yabusele and former Sixth Man of the Year Jordan Clarkson.
New York currently sits $3.7 million under the league’s second-apron threshold after using its taxpayer midlevel exception to sign Yabusele. That leaves enough flexibility for one more veteran minimum signing and a second-round pick to be signed to a rookie contract.
Simmons’ Market & Future Uncertain
According to Stein, New York and the Boston Celtics expressed the “most serious interest” in Simmons during the summer, but the Celtics have since filled their roster need by signing former Toronto big man Chris Boucher.
Stein also added that Simmons parted ways with his agent, Bernie Lee, who also represents Golden State Warriors star Jimmy Butler, further clouding his market.
Stefan Bondy of the New York Post reported that Simmons is weighing whether to continue his professional career at all.
“The former All-Star and Rookie of the Year, who has struggled recently with injuries and handling the public pressures of the league, is an option for the Knicks because of his upside as an elite defender and athlete to fill their backup point guard spot,” Bondy wrote. “However, Simmons … is sending a message that he isn’t sure if he wants to continue.”
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