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Simmons bombshell the NBA cannot believe

Reports of Ben Simmons’ career being all but done in the NBA appear to be premature with a contender considering a lifeline for the Aussie.

Ben Simmons’ short stay in LA didn’t end in a ring. Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images

Ben Simmons’ short stay in LA didn’t end in a ring. Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images

A return to New York reportedly on the cards for Ben Simmons, only this time it would be on the other side of the Brooklyn Bridge.

The Knicks have expressed interest in the polarising former Nets point guard in free agency, a league source confirmed Wednesday to The Post.

Their interest in the three-time NBA All-Star was first reported by SNY.

The 28-year-old Simmons had the remainder of his $US40 million ($A60.7m) salary bought out by the Nets in February, and the former NBA Rookie of the Year signed for the rest of the season with the Clippers.

In 18 games, Simmons averaged 16.4 minutes, 2.9 points, 3.8 rebounds and 3.1 assists, shockingly down from his 33 games in Brooklyn for the season, where he averaged 6.2 points, 5.2 rebounds and 6.9 assists in 25 minutes per game.

 

Ben Simmons’ short stay in LA didn’t end in a ring. Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images
Ben Simmons’ short stay in LA didn’t end in a ring. Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images

The Knicks probably cannot afford to offer more than the veterans minimum to sign Simmons because the pending additions of Jordan Clarkson and Guerschon Yabusele in free agency put the team at the second apron for salary-cap purposes.

They will use their taxpayer mid-level exception to sign Yabusele to a two-year deal worth $US12 million ($A18.2m).

The 6-10 Simmons was hampered by back problems and appeared in only 90 games over three seasons with the Nets — averaging 6.5 points and 6.3 assists — following his acquisition from the 76ers in the James Harden trade in 2022.

Fans were quick to turn on the mooted move.

“They won’t win a championship with Ben Simmons lmao,” one fan wrote.

“Why would Ben even want to be in NY?” another said.

“Why does this man get chance after chance to just not want to play?” a third replied.

A fourth added: “Why the hell do you guys want Ben Simmons in a Knicks jersey?”

Simmons, the No. 1 overall pick by Philadelphia in the 2016 NBA Draft, joined Harden with the Clippers following his Brooklyn departure, averaging 16.4 minutes in 18 appearances.

The Knicks can turn their attention to adding a veteran point guard now that their coaching vacancy has been filled, with two-time NBA Coach of the Year Mike Brown set to be Tom Thibodeau’s replacement.

This story first appeared in the New York Post and was republished with permission.

Author: Peter Botte – New York Post

Source: News Corp Australia Network:

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