Could Ben Simmons be the missing piece for the Knicks?

The New York Knicks have been climbing the ladder in recent years, and after making it to the Eastern Conference Finals, they’re clearly on the verge of something big. This offseason, they’ve brought in a new head coach and made a few solid moves in free agency, all to turn a strong team into a true championship contender.

But if there’s one thing the Knicks have struggled with, it’s depth. In a league where injuries and matchup challenges can derail even the best teams, having a bench full of reliable options is crucial. And now, the Knicks might be eyeing someone who could help with exactly that, former All-Star Ben Simmons.

According to NBA insider Ian Begley, the Knicks have been in touch with Simmons as he looks for his next opportunity in the league. While Simmons’ career hasn’t gone the way many expected after his early success in Philadelphia, there’s still potential for him to be a valuable piece, especially on a team like the Knicks.

Simmons, standing 6-foot-10, brings size, defense, and top-tier playmaking when healthy. While he’s not the player who once earned multiple All-Star nods, the Knicks don’t need him to be a superstar. In fact, a simplified role, maybe as a bigger version of Josh Hart, could work perfectly. He could come off the bench, defend multiple positions, and help facilitate the offense when needed.

Of course, there are concerns. Simmons has dealt with major injuries, including a lingering back issue, and his performance in recent seasons, particularly his exit from Philadelphia and a rocky run with Brooklyn, hasn’t helped his reputation. However, he did show flashes of reliability while coming off the bench for the Clippers last season.

At this stage in his career, Simmons may no longer be a franchise cornerstone. But for the Knicks, who are already loaded with talent and just need a few more glue guys to get over the hump, he might be a low-risk, high-reward move. If he stays healthy and embraces a team-first role, he could quietly become one of the more important pickups of the offseason.