The Brooklyn Nets secured their first NBA season win on Sunday. However, the start of the season has not been kind to Ben Simmons. The 2017-18 Rookie of the Year is struggling again despite an off-season of development and promise. The season is only just underway, but Simmons’ future in Brooklyn is not concrete, which led The Ringer’s Bill Simmons to speculate where the struggling star might fit if the Nets move on from him this season.
The Ringer Personality Taps NY Knicks as Possible Future Destination for Nets Star
Bill Simmons Envisions Ben Simmons in Manhattan
The New York Knicks completed the off-season’s biggest trade just weeks before the 2024-25 NBA season started, acquiring Karl-Anthony Towns in exchange for Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo. Earlier in the summer, the Knicks acquired Mikal Bridges via trade from the Nets. The Knicks roster post-trades upgraded the team, but at the same time, one could argue the Knicks depth is left wanting. Bill Simmons, former ESPN personality now with The Ringer, put out Monday on his podcast, The Bill Simmons Podcast, that if the Knicks find themselves needing to add another piece down the road, Ben Simmons should be on their radar.
His argument leans on Simmons being exactly what the Knicks need to fill their depth, although not in a trade scenario.
“I’m watching this Ben Simmons thing because if he can prove that he’s healthy over the next three months … either’s he’s a trade or he’s a buyout guy, but I actually think he could have an impact on the playoff race playing 18 to 20 minutes a game for a really good team.”
Simmons would go on to say why he views Ben Simmons as that impact player.
“He can handle the ball, he’s a point guard with size, he can get to the rim, He’s an expiring contract at $40.3 million. Could they trade him? I went through every team; I don’t see it…I think he has a chance to become one of the most fascinating February buyout guys…he’s kind of exactly what the Knicks need.”
The Nets trading Simmons seems like a stretch. His contract is relevant, yes. But what will be more relevant is the state of his health and game, which Bill Simmons alluded to. The Nets might find it challenging to shake hands with a trade partner. Buying out Simmons could become the more viable option if the Nets do, in fact, choose to move on from the three-time NBA All-Star.
NY’s Depth Needs Could Rationalize Another Roster Addition
The Knicks already have Mitchell Robinson lost likely until the new year. Precious Achiuwa also remains out, although his return timetable is more favorable than Robinson’s. Currently, Towns and Jericho Sims share the center position. However, the Knicks depth still raises some questions.
It was interesting that Bill Simmons liked the going to the rim part of Simmons’ game. In fact, going to the basket is one of Ben Simmons’ weak points at this point in his career. He certainly can get to the rim, but will he? By the time the trade deadline rolls around, is it possible that Simmons has shown a different side of him that another team would be willing to take a chance on him? Time will tell, I suppose.
The Knicks are certainly a team to consider for Ben Simmons, provided they don’t address their depth issues beforehand. He has size, can defend, and can still handle the ball skillfully. Perhaps he could fit right in with the Knicks. For now, it’s getting his complete game package in check while in Brooklyn.
