NEW YORK — The New York Knicks could double down on their patient roster strategy as the reigning NBA champions enter the final stretch of the offseason with 13 guaranteed contracts. Front-office mastermind Leon Rose has established a clear offseason playbook in Manhattan: hold open roster spots, maintain cap flexibility below the aprons, and invite high-upside veterans to non-guaranteed training camp deals before making final cuts.
That strategy paid massive dividends during New York’s historic title run. Now, an intriguing opportunity has re-emerged on the free-agent market. According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, former three-time All-Star and Defensive Player of the Year runner-up Ben Simmons will likely need to accept an non-guaranteed training camp deal to return to the league.
“I’m basically expecting Ben Simmons to be in some NBA team’s training camp come this fall,” Fischer said. “Ben Simmons is going to need to be accepting of the fact that it is going to be very similar to what Lonnie Walker just signed in Denver. It’s completely non-guaranteed. It’s a training camp invite.”
After declining a non-guaranteed camp offer from New York last summer, the Knicks could double down on their patient strategy. Circling back to MSG represents Simmons’ absolute best option to salvage his NBA career.
Addressing the Frontcourt Depth Problem
While the Knicks boast one of the most complete starting lineups in basketball anchored by Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, their frontcourt rotation remains surprisingly thin. Beyond OG Anunoby (small-ball lineups) and Andre Drummond, the Knicks rely heavily on guard-heavy bench units featuring Jose Alvarado, Miles McBride, and Jordan Clarkson.
If the Knicks could double down on targeting low-risk depth, adding a healthy 6-foot-10 ball-handler like Ben Simmons on a camp contract instantly solves multiple problems:
- Secondary Playmaking: Simmons owns career averages of 7.2 assists per game. Placing his transition passing alongside New York’s perimeter shooters creates easy offense for secondary units.
- Defensive Versatility: As a former DPOY runner-up, Simmons gives Mike Brown a switchable big capable of guarding positions 1 through 5 in a wide variety of matchups.
- Rebounding Depth: New York lost size on its bench this summer after saying goodbye to Mitchell Robinson and Ariel Hukporti. Simmons’ 7.4 career rebounds per game help secure defensive possessions, thereby reducing the wear and tear on Towns.
Zero Financial Downside for Leon Rose
Because New York sits with 13 active roster spots, bringing Simmons into training camp requires zero long-term commitment. Similar to the framework of Lonnie Walker IV’s recent deal with Denver, a non-guaranteed veteran-minimum agreement allows the coaching staff to evaluate Simmons in a rigorous 5-on-5 environment day after day.
Knowing the Knicks could double down without taking on cap penalties makes this move a total no-brainer. If his athleticism and back hold up, New York adds a premier bench table setter for pennies. If not, the franchise simply waives him before opening night with zero dead cap hit. For a franchise coming off its first championship in 53 years, staying aggressive on high-upside fliers is the exact way to turn this team into a sustainable dynasty.
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