Report: Knicks never made formal offer to Ben Simmons

The Knicks had conversations with Ben Simmons’ camp this offseason and showed interest in the former All-Star, but never put a formal offer on the table, according to Ian Begley of SNY.

League sources told Begley that while New York’s front office kept Simmons on its radar, the dialogue never advanced.

Instead, the Knicks are focusing on other options for their final roster spot, including Landry Shamet and Malcolm Brogdon.

The Simmons angle became more complicated when longtime agent Bernie Lee parted ways with him.

Marc Stein reported that Simmons effectively walked away from whatever interest the Knicks might have had, signaling he wasn’t keen on pursuing the opportunity.

Simmons, 29, remains unsigned as training camps near. He split last season between the Nets and Clippers, averaging 5.0 points, 5.6 assists and 4.7 rebounds in 51 games.

Once viewed as a franchise cornerstone, he has dealt with back issues, reduced production, and most recently, the uncertainty of playing without an agent.

The Knicks’ minimum-salary slot is still open. Simmons, meanwhile, is still weighing his future.