The Kings and Knicks appear to be the most likely destinations for Ben Simmons in free agency, Jake Fischer said in a recent Bleacher Report stream (hat tip to BasketNews). Simmons, who played 51 combined games with the Nets and Clippers last season, is one of several prominent veterans who remain unsigned.
“We are still anticipating the Kings to be bringing in another veteran guard, and Ben Simmons is on that list of potential targets, in addition to Russell Westbrook, to Malcolm Brogdon, and I think he’d make an interesting addition there,” Fischer said. “I personally think Ben Simmons would be interesting in Minnesota, but I haven’t heard that they have interest in him.”
Sacramento currently has 12 players on fully guaranteed contracts, along with non-guaranteed deals for Keon Ellis ($2.3MM) and Terence Davis ($2.5MM), so there’s flexibility to add an established guard. The Kings are nearly $9.9MM below the first apron.
Simmons, 29, was a rotation player with Brooklyn before being waived in early February, averaging 6.2 points, 5.2 rebounds and 6.9 assists in 33 games. His role was reduced once he joined the Clippers, but he still offers versatility and defensive upside.
Fischer shared a few more rumors in his stream:
- The Bucks likely won’t pursue Brogdon after landing Cole Anthony, but Fischer said there’s still plenty of interest around the league in the veteran guard. Along with the Kings, he names the Pelicans, Timberwolves and Warriors as potential landings spots for Brogdon, who appeared in 24 games with Washington last season.
- Fischer doesn’t believe the Warriors have enough interest in Bulls center Nikola Vucevic to make him the main piece in a potential Jonathan Kuminga sign-and-trade. Vucevic has an expiring contract, and Golden State is expected to fill its need for a stretch five by signing Al Horford. Chicago is among several teams that have expressed interest in Kuminga, but Fischer says the most likely scenario has him remaining with the Warriors on “a short-term agreement.”
- The Celtics remain active on the trade market as they try to get their roster younger and cheaper, Fischer adds. He states that Boston had discussions with the Grizzlies recently, but doesn’t provide any other details. He states that rival teams believe the Celtics are trying to unload both Anfernee Simons and Georges Niang.
Simmons is only 29…
Yeah but the Benjamin Button of basketball development.
Simmons would never survive on the Knicks. Maybe try Utah
Jerry Sloan would come back to life and put the Kibosh on any such move
lol! RIP Jerry!
Ben could find his confidence in NYK. If he has the Bxllx to do it. Unfortunately I’m not so sure about his back. Don’t know if it’s real. Or he uses it as a crutch.
Ben could be a rotation guy just on his defense, rebounding. Only he can’t be trusted.
Pacers are the team who should be most after Brogdon and Westbrook. What are they doing next year. Going after a lottery pick. This BS could never in NY.
Warriors own Kuminga s rights. So all this drama is caused by them. They let it get here. Kerr miss used him in every way. They knew the cap would affect his RFA. So they made their own bed. Anyone who knows ball. Understands Kuminga is a goner. Why would you want to start another year. With this hanging over the teams head. There are moves out there.
You can trade him for young assets. That are a better fit to this team. The Heat for instance :;
Jaquez, Jovic, and a future pick …. DONE !!
Yuo’re asking if the dude that missed passed up an open layup in the playoffs out of fear of getting fouled has “bxllx”. Lol. Dude is washed and should just retire. Any team that employs this guy is not a serious organization.
Ah yes. Going to NY to rebuild your MOJO. What could go wrong.
Simmons managed to have the worst year of his career, right after having the worst year of his career prior. He’s toast.
Simmons needs a smaller market. I like Sacramento for him, Portland, Minnesota, etc. Honestly he’s still a 6’9 player that can handle the ball with good defense and rebounding. For the minimum every team is looking for that. I just am horribly snake bitten trusting Simmons at all but I do think and hope it works out for him on the court.
You want a dude on a minimum contract to come in and relieve your starters or other rotational player. You can’t ever count on Simmons. Dude is a walking DNP and it’s not like he’s a higher character dude either than can provide leadership and guidance. He’s going to be a distraction anywhere he goes.
Knicks need Danny Wolf
Idk why they keep saying Horford is going to the warriors that dude ain’t going that far west.