Knicks Rumors: Ben Simmons, Russell Westbrook, Chris Paul, Malcolm Brogdon

The New York Knicks have been in contact with former No. 1 overall pick Ben Simmons, now an unrestricted free agent after finishing last season with the Los Angeles Clippers.

Per Ian Begley of SNY.tv, the Knicks are considering making a play for Simmons, also linked to the Golden State Warriors and several others.

“Who might the Knicks sign with that veteran’s minimum deal?” Begley wrote. “They have continued to touch base with Ben Simmons during the free agency period. I’m sure they have touched base with other vets as well.”

Along with Simmons, the Knicks recently were linked to former NBA MVP Russell Westbrook. But sources described the Knicks’ interest in Westbrook as incredibly minimal.

Anyway, back to Simmons. He’s viewed as a reserve at this stage of his career, playing a smaller but steady role at the end of last season with the Clippers. He started the year with the Brooklyn Nets.

The Knicks fired coach Tom Thibodeau after a run to the Eastern Conference finals, replacing him with veteran coach Mike Brown.

Simmons is still considered a player who can add depth at either the guard or forward spots, capable of handling the ball and getting after it defensively. His perimeter shot, however, remains a major drawback.

Knicks Considering Paul?

Along with Simmons and Westbrook, New York could potentially have an interest in veteran point guard Chris Paul, sources told Hoops Wire.

Paul, 40, spent all of last season on a one-year deal with the San Antonio Spurs and has indicated he wants to play at least one more year. But most teams showing interest are only willing to offer Paul a one-year deal for the veteran’s minimum.

One source told Hoops Wire that the Knicks adding Paul is a “long, long shot,” but added it couldn’t be ruled out entirely.

Brogdon on Radar?

Another veteran free agent to watch: Malcolm Brogdon, who won’t be returning to the Washington Wizards. Opposing scouts view him as a natural fit in New York as a backup to starter Jalen Brunson.

Like Paul and Simmons, Brogdon is reportedly on the radar of multiple teams, and if the Knicks decide they need another vet in the backcourt, they could do a lot worse than the 2023 Sixth Man of the Year.

All of that said, New York is expected to give second-year man Tyler Kolek a long look as Brunson’s backup — which means if New York does add a Simmons, Paul or Brogdon, it would likely be closer to training camp in the fall.