The Knicks have “checked in” on former No. 1 general decide Ben Simmons, studies Ian Begley of SNY.television. Simmons has additionally met with three different groups and is anticipated to decide on his subsequent vacation spot quickly, sources conversant in the scenario inform Begley.
Simmons is a three-time All-Star who has made a pair of All-Defensive first groups, however has battled accidents in recent times, having appeared in simply 108 common season video games for the reason that begin of 2021/22.
Begley provides in the identical story that the Knicks keep curiosity in re-signing free agent wing Landry Shamet, however have competitors from groups in each conferences for the 28-year-old. Shamet made 50 appearances for New York final season, averaging 5.7 factors per recreation on .461/.397/.667 capturing.
Given how shut the Knicks are to the second tax apron, it will in all probability be a case of signing Simmons or Shamet (or one other veteran free agent), somewhat than including each, except they create a bit of extra spending flexibility by way of commerce.
Given their roster scenario
- After Jake Fischer reported that the Pacers have some curiosity in heart Deandre Ayton, David Aldridge of The Athletic means that curiosity can be reciprocated. In accordance with Aldridge, a supply near Ayton mentioned Indiana can be thought of as a potential touchdown spot for the previous No. 1 general decide. The large man will clear waivers later right now.
- The Serbian membership KK Partizan lately introduced (by way of Twitter) a contract extension by 2027 for former NBA ahead Isaac Bonga, who appeared in 143 common season video games for 3 groups from 2018-22. Nevertheless, Bonga stays on NBA radars, in keeping with Donatas Urbonas of BasketNews.com, who notes that the 25-year-old’s new deal contains an out clause that might give him the power to return stateside later this summer time if he will get a possibility he likes.
- One other former NBA ahead is headed to Belgrade, with the Serbian membership Crvena Zvezda saying (by way of Twitter) that it has signed Semi Ojeleye. The 2017 second-round decide made 284 NBA appearances for 3 groups throughout 5 seasons, however hasn’t been within the league since 2022.
- In accepting a one-year, minimum-salary provide from the Suns, veteran ahead Nigel Hayes-Davis turned down a profitable provide from Fenerbahce, his staff in Turkey, that might have had made him one of many highest-paid gamers within the EuroLeague, Urbonas studies. Whereas Hayes-Davis gained’t earn as a lot in Phoenix, the 30-year-old can be again within the NBA for the primary time since a short stint in 2017/18.
